MBA - Deferrals HELP MBA!!!! H/W/S etc...

[anish.patel.gmat]

Question to all MBA'ers or recent MBA'ers....

Which of the following schools allow deferring your admissions and for how long (6 months - 1 year or both)?

HBS
Wharton
Stanford
Columbia
NYU
Kellogg
Chicago
Michigan

I really need to know b/c of a new opportunity that has come my way and the how the timelines line up. Assuming I am blessed here and I get into any one of the schools above, just want to know which allow deferrals.

TIA

[Ttronn]

From what I understand of the deferral process (admitedly not a lot) most schools will only grant them under extraordinary circumstances (medical etc.) and specifically will not grant deferrals if an employment opportunity arises. I presume the reasoning behind that notion is that someone who wishes to defer because of a new employment opportunity may not have the requisite drive/desire needed to attend the MBA program at that specific school and I suspect many adcoms would be suspicious of an applicant who had just made the very SIGNIFICANT decision to attend an MBA program (tuition costs + foregone salary) only to decide to put that idea on the back burner to pursue anonther employment prospect. I don't want to say that it "can't hurt to ask" because it very well may, but I'd definately recommend getting ahold of current students at these programs who may have some accurate anecdotal evidence regarding your query.

Please take this post with a grain of salt! I am only speaking about my own understanding of the subject and with no other authority whatsoever. Cheers

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

I believe that most all of the schools/programs you mentioned are fall intake. So, any deferral would be one year. But, I agree with the other responder - it will be difficult to get a deferral without extenuating circumstances. You may be able to make the argument that it turns out not to be financially possible (although most schools will have loan programs that you will qualify for - however, if you are not a US citizen, you might be in a more unique financial situation). Generally, the schools will tell you to reapply. If you got in the first time and you are now pursuing a better opportunity, it is likely that you would be accepted the next time you apply!

And, of course as the other poster rightly mentioned, it can't hurt to ask! The worst thing they can do is say no!

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

I just looked at your list again - Columbia may be willing to defer your admittance for the January start class (I'm assuming you've applied for fall). The January start class is generally a little less competitive and I've heard they are more flexible in this regard (but no guarantees!).