![\"Top](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Top-MBA-Programs-that-Defer.jpg\")
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Most U.S. MBA programs will allow students to defer acceptance (push off starting the program for a year) for U.S. military deployment<\/a>, illness, or illness of a loved one for whom the candidate is the sole or a major caregiver (you will need proof of the above).<\/p>\n Check with the individual programs, but here are a few specifics:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stanford GSB<\/strong> admits students directly from college, but suggests a 1-3 year deferral to gain experience.<\/p>\n \u2022 Harvard Business School<\/strong> has a similar policy, but applicants must be admitted through the 2+2 Program.<\/p>\n \u2022 MIT Sloan<\/strong> offers an automatic readmit to candidates they admitted in the prior year, but who could not attend. It\u2019s basically the same as a deferral except the candidate must complete the application again.<\/p>\n Top 20 MBA programs rarely offer deferrals for financial or work related reasons (other than military and the exceptions I stated above). However, it never hurts to ask.<\/p>\n A Cautionary Tale<\/strong><\/p>\n When I was the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Cornell Johnson (many years ago), I had a Cornell candidate who applied three years in a row due to work-related reasons (his consulting firm just kept giving him projects he didn\u2019t want to turn down).<\/p>\n The first year he sent me a note about the new project and explained how much stronger a candidate he would be if I deferred his admission. I asked him to reapply because we did not defer for work-related reasons (except military deployment). He reapplied, and the second year I admitted him again, but he never sent me a note indicating that he would not be attending the program. He just didn\u2019t show on the first day of class and assumed that was okay. It wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n He had the nerve to reapply the third year, and I did not admit him despite the strength of his application. His lack of communication when he wanted to defer a second time took a spot away from another candidate. That kind of hubris did not belong at Cornell (and I didn\u2019t mind telling him my reasons when he called to find out why I denied his application\u2026 he was stunned).<\/p>\n What Should You Do If You Want to Defer?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 If you haven\u2019t yet been accepted:<\/strong> If you have not yet heard a decision from the school, you should withdraw your application from further review. Explain why you are withdrawing your application, indicate that you will be reapplying next year and that you plan to attend the school if admitted (if true).<\/p>\n \u2022 If you\u2019ve already been accepted:<\/strong> If you\u2019ve already been admitted, request the deferral. The worst case scenario is that the school will tell you that they don\u2019t grant deferrals.<\/p>\n Not sure if you should defer or not? Need assistance weighing the pros and cons of your unique situation? Our expert consultants can help you\u00a0<\/strong>evaluate your admissions case to determine if, when, and how you should defer. Check out our MBA Admissions Consulting Services for more information!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 When & Why to Pass on a B-School Acceptance Offer<\/a> \u00a0This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"multiple](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/multiple_acceptance_cta_v2.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Natalie](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/natalie.jpg\" "\\"Natalie")
<\/a>By\u00a0Natalie Grinblatt Epstein<\/a>, an accomplished Accepted consultant\/editor (since 2008) and entrepreneur. Natalie is a former MBA Admissions Dean and Director at Ross, Johnson, and Carey.\u00a0Want Natalie to help you get accepted to business school? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Harvard, Stanford, Wharton: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a>, a short video
\n\u2022 MBA Choices: Dream School vs. Scholarship School?<\/a><\/p>\n