Deferring at Stern (Langone)?

[keviv]

Hi,

I applied to Stern's part-time (Langone) program for January, as well as a couple of full-time apps in round 1. I've been accepted by NYU, but haven't heard from the other schools (although I've had interviews, so I'm optimistic). I need to respond to NYU with a decision in a week, unfortunately -- which is before I will know about the other schools.

Two questions:

1. Does it make more sense to (a) get an extension on the deposit deadline? or (b) defer admission completely until the fall?

2. In either case, what would be the best line of reasoning to use with the NYU admissions office to get the extension/deferral? Obviously saying "I want to hear back from other schools first" isn't going to help my case...

Thanks for the help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear keviv,

You can ask for an extension, but you need a good reason. They might be willing to grant it but I would not be surprised if they did not. Same with a deferral--those are usually not granted unless you have extenuating circumstances like a serious illness. First, you need to decide what your first choice is in the event you get into all schools. If it is NYU, then you need to accept the offer and move forward. If it is one of the other schools, then you have to decide whether or not it is worth the risk to ask for an extension. The last alternative is to accept the offer and then worry about your options once you have the other decisions. I don't recommend or condone accepting an admission offer and then backing out later, but people do it. So if you can live with that decision, then it is an option.

Good luck,
Lisa