Last visit was: 24 Apr 2026, 11:04 It is currently 24 Apr 2026, 11:04
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
pokemanga
Joined: 25 Mar 2019
Last visit: 09 Oct 2025
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
VantagePointKatie
User avatar
Vantage Point Admissions Consultant
Joined: 03 Feb 2018
Last visit: 06 Mar 2024
Posts: 99
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
Location: United States
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 99
Kudos: 30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
pokemanga
Joined: 25 Mar 2019
Last visit: 09 Oct 2025
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
PersonalMBACoach
User avatar
Personal MBA Coach Founder
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Last visit: 24 Apr 2026
Posts: 3,807
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 11
Status:Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting from a Wharton graduate - Helping applicants get into top global business schools since 2008
Affiliations: Wharton, MIT
Location: United States (NY)
Overall Client Admit Rate: 96%
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,807
Kudos: 372
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
pokemanga
VantagePointKatie
pokemanga
Hello,

I will hit my 4-year active duty service obligation in December of 2021 and want to pursue an MBA afterward. My timeline is kinda tricky. Most people can request to leave the military a bit earlier than the 4 year mark by using the accrued vacation days (terminal leave). However, the amount of terminal leave days approved is up to the command to decide. It can range from 30 days to 60 to 90+ days.

My question is, let say I apply for MBA admission in Fall of 2020 with a start date in August of 2021. If I get accepted but cannot get separated from the military early enough to attend in August, can I request deferment by 1 year, August of 2022 ?

The schools I plan to apply to is H/S/W/C so I would appreciate it a lot if anyone have any insights on how each of the schools feel about military-related deferment. Also, what would the deferment process request look like at those schools ? Should I send them an email or should I try to get them on the phone ?

Thank you!

Hi there, thank you for your service. Military obligation is typically a reason for which schools grant a deferral. However, it's a little murky for you since you're technically obligated through December. The schools may not view it positively that you're making plans without knowing whether be able to act on them (if your early separation request is not granted). It sounds like your command would need to approve close to the maximum amount of time that is typically given? Hard to say without knowing your background, but would it make sense to apply in R1 2021 and do a civilian externship / job in between? Just a thought. The process to request a deferral usually involves talking to admissions and then submitting a formal request. Good luck with your future plans!

Yah that is another option that I am looking into. I am just worried age my become an issue as I will turn 32 by the time I apply for R1 2021. Thank you for your response !

I wouldn't worry so much about your age when applying. Military candidates trend older than the average and bring skills and qualities that schools highly desire. Even mid-30's is fairly common.

I don't think schools would necessarily hold it against you RE: timeline. I would make sure to get in touch with the admissions department before applying and explain your situation and lay out the possibilities. Otherwise, you'd have to wait quite a while to enroll with the class after. I do like the idea of a short internship to bridge the time gap, but in today's environment it would likely have to be unpaid. Another advantage to matriculating in the class after is that you increase the chances of the job market normalizing. If you aren't in a rush to begin school, I'd weigh both options.

Regards,
Scott
avatar
pokemanga
Joined: 25 Mar 2019
Last visit: 09 Oct 2025
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
PersonalMBACoach
pokemanga
VantagePointKatie
pokemanga
Hello,

I will hit my 4-year active duty service obligation in December of 2021 and want to pursue an MBA afterward. My timeline is kinda tricky. Most people can request to leave the military a bit earlier than the 4 year mark by using the accrued vacation days (terminal leave). However, the amount of terminal leave days approved is up to the command to decide. It can range from 30 days to 60 to 90+ days.

My question is, let say I apply for MBA admission in Fall of 2020 with a start date in August of 2021. If I get accepted but cannot get separated from the military early enough to attend in August, can I request deferment by 1 year, August of 2022 ?

The schools I plan to apply to is H/S/W/C so I would appreciate it a lot if anyone have any insights on how each of the schools feel about military-related deferment. Also, what would the deferment process request look like at those schools ? Should I send them an email or should I try to get them on the phone ?

Thank you!

Hi there, thank you for your service. Military obligation is typically a reason for which schools grant a deferral. However, it's a little murky for you since you're technically obligated through December. The schools may not view it positively that you're making plans without knowing whether be able to act on them (if your early separation request is not granted). It sounds like your command would need to approve close to the maximum amount of time that is typically given? Hard to say without knowing your background, but would it make sense to apply in R1 2021 and do a civilian externship / job in between? Just a thought. The process to request a deferral usually involves talking to admissions and then submitting a formal request. Good luck with your future plans!

Yah that is another option that I am looking into. I am just worried age my become an issue as I will turn 32 by the time I apply for R1 2021. Thank you for your response !

I wouldn't worry so much about your age when applying. Military candidates trend older than the average and bring skills and qualities that schools highly desire. Even mid-30's is fairly common.

I don't think schools would necessarily hold it against you RE: timeline. I would make sure to get in touch with the admissions department before applying and explain your situation and lay out the possibilities. Otherwise, you'd have to wait quite a while to enroll with the class after. I do like the idea of a short internship to bridge the time gap, but in today's environment it would likely have to be unpaid. Another advantage to matriculating in the class after is that you increase the chances of the job market normalizing. If you aren't in a rush to begin school, I'd weigh both options.

Regards,
Scott

I see. That's good to know. Thanks for your response.