How to Write a Deferral Letter and Request an Admissions Deferral

You got into grad school, congrats! That admissions letter is sitting in your inbox, and everyone’s expecting you to be over the moon. But instead of feeling elated, you’re uneasy. You’re thinking about pressing pause.

Maybe a dream internship just came through. Maybe the scholarship didn’t. Maybe your gut is waving a bright red flag telling you: not yet.

Here’s the thing. Deferring your admission isn’t quitting. It’s not flaking. It’s a strategic decision that, when made with intention and communicated clearly, can actually set you up for an even better graduate school experience.

I know this firsthand.

When I was admitted to both Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School as a dual-degree applicant, I knew I needed more life experience before diving in. I requested to defer HKS for one year, and to defer HBS for two years so that I could live in Accra, Ghana and attend the University of Ghana at Legon as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. It was a bold move, but it changed my life.

That experience helped me launch The Art of Applying® in 2010 with a $10,000 grant from Harvard Business School while I was still finishing my dual degrees. Today, through our signature program, the Application Accelerator®, my team and I have helped thousands of people, often nontraditional and underestimated applicants, get into top grad programs and win millions in merit scholarships.

And a big part of what we help with? Making powerful, values-aligned choices, like whether to defer admission.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you exactly how to write a strong deferral letter that gets taken seriously. You’ll learn when to ask, how to ask, and what to say (and not say). I’ll even share the one mistake I made when deferring that cost me over $100,000 in funding, so you can avoid it.

If you’re sitting on an acceptance letter and wondering whether to enroll now or later, this post is your roadmap.

Let’s get you the breathing room you need, without burning bridges.

When Should You Request an Admission or Gap Year Deferral?

A deferral is not just a formality. It’s a formal request that requires real thought and real stakes. Schools don’t guarantee deferrals, and they don’t offer them casually. If you’ve been admitted, the admissions committee chose you for this specific class, not next year’s.

That means your reason for requesting a deferral needs to be more than “I’m not sure.” It needs to be time-sensitive, compelling, professionally or personally important.

Before we go further: do not accept your offer or submit your deposit before submitting a deferral request. That can complicate things and sometimes make it harder to get your deferral approved

Submit your request as early as possible—ideally as soon as you realize the need.Don’t wait until the enrollment deadline.Double-check your program’s official deferral policies and deadlines.

Here’s a video where we talk about this topic with a question from one of our clients.

Valid Reasons to Request a Deferral from Your University Admission

Here are some compelling, commonly accepted reasons to formally request a deferral in your college or grad school admission:

Financial Aid or Scholarship Gaps: If you’re experiencing unexpected delays or losses in funding, you may need more time to secure resources.Unforeseen Life Events: Health issues, family responsibilities, or caregiving can create legitimate need for a deferral.Professional Growth Opportunities: Some students defer to accept time-sensitive internships, fellowships, or jobs that will directly enrich their graduate school experience.Structured Gap Year Programs: Participating in service learning, research, or global travel programs that will help you grow personally and professionally.

A good rule of thumb? Your reason should demonstrate maturity, strategic thinking, and alignment with your long-term goals.

When You Should NOT Write a Deferral Letter to Your College

Not every reason for delaying school will fly with the admissions office. Avoid submitting a deferral letter if:

You’re using the time to shop for other schools: That’s a red flag. Admissions teams don’t take kindly to being a backup plan.You’re just feeling unsure: General uncertainty or fear about starting school isn’t enough.You can’t articulate a clear, time-bound reason: Vague or emotionally reactive requests rarely go over well.

A Costly Mistake from My Journey

Here’s something I learned the hard way: deferring can impact your scholarship opportunities.

When I was admitted to HKS, I was a semi-finalist for a full scholarship to Harvard Kennedy School. Feeling confident, I deferred for a year, assuming similar opportunities would be available when I enrolled. The devastating reality? I received NO fellowship at all the following year. My overconfidence based on limited information cost me over $100,000. During my last year of graduate school, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Center for Public Leadership George Leadership Fellowship for $10,000. Additionally, weeks before graduating, I was awarded the HBS Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship Loan Reduction Fellowship of $10,000 as well.

Lesson learned: get clarity on what you might lose if you defer, especially when it comes to financial aid. Just know that your chances for scholarships plummet with a deferral. They already know you’re committed to the school, so there’s no incentive for them to offer you money. 

How to Write a Deferral Letter to a University: Essential Steps in the Application Process

This is a formal request. Not a casual email. Be clear, respectful, and professional. Here’s a simple structure that works:

Step 1: Address the Letter Properly

Start strong by writing directly to the admissions officer who signed your acceptance letter. If that’s unclear, address it to the Director of Admissions. Use their full name and title if possible.

Step 2: Clearly State Your Intent to Defer Admission

Make your request crystal clear. Specify that you’re requesting a one-year or one-semester to defer your admission and include the exact dates.

Example:

I am writing to formally request a one-year deferral of my admission to the Fall 2025 cohort of the Master of Public Policy program.

Step 3: Explain the Reason for Your Deferral Request

Be brief, specific, and professional. This is not the place for a long personal narrative. Keep it focused on logistics and impact.

Example:

Due to an unexpected family caregiving responsibility, I will need to remain in my hometown through the next academic year.

Step 4: Reaffirm Your Commitment and Interest

Let them know that you’re still fully committed to enrolling, just not right now.

Example:

I remain enthusiastic about attending [University Name] and am eager to contribute to the campus community upon enrollment.

Step 5: Acknowledge and Comply with Deferral Policies

Show that you’ve done your homework and are prepared to follow any additional steps or conditions.

Example:

I understand and am happy to comply with your school’s deferral policies, including any required deposits or paperwork.

Step 6: Offer to Provide Documentation or Further Details

Make it easy for them to say yes.

Example:

Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation to support my request.

Sample Deferral Letter (or Letter of Continued Interest) for a Gap Year (Email Template)

Subject: Deferral Request for [Your Name] (Applicant #XXXXXX)

Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],

My name is [Your Name] (Applicant #XXXXXX), and I was recently admitted to the [Program or College Name] at [University Name]. I am honored by this admission and remain enthusiastic about attending.

I am writing to formally request a one-year deferral of my admission. Due to unexpected financial constraints, I must spend the coming year working and securing financial aid to fully support my academic endeavors at [University Name].

I am deeply committed to enrolling at [University Name] and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to defer my admission. I fully understand the school’s deferral policies and will comply with all necessary requirements, including submitting deposits or additional forms.

Please let me know if further information is needed. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

What to Do After Submitting Your University Deferral Letter

After you hit send, don’t ghost the process. Be sure to follow through:

Follow Up If You Don’t Hear Back

Wait about two weeks, then check in politely. Admissions teams are busy, but you want to stay on their radar.

Track Any Updated Deadlines

If your deferral is pending, keep your eye on the school’s acceptance deadline in case you need to make a decision before hearing back.

Complete Any School-Required Steps

If your request is approved, the admissions office may require:

A formal intent to enroll agreementA deposit to hold your spotA brief gap year plan or check-in formIf and When Approved, Make the Most of Your Gap Year

Whether you’re working, traveling, caregiving, or healing, use the time intentionally. Journal. Network. Learn. Apply for external fellowships or scholarships that don’t require active enrollment.

Can You Defer College Admission More Than Once?

It’s rare and I would not recommend it. Schools grant deferrals with the assumption that you’ll enroll the following year. Multiple deferrals can suggest indecision and may harm your relationship with the school.

If a second deferral becomes absolutely necessary, you’ll need to make a very strong case. We have worked with a client who had an extremely special case, so his request was approved. But like I said, I don’t recommend it. 

Need to Write a Deferral Request or Letter of Continued Interest? We Can Help!

Securing an admission deferral takes careful planning, clarity of intent, and a well-crafted deferral letter. By clearly communicating your reason, following university guidelines, and showcasing your continued interest, you significantly increase your chances of a successful deferral.

Navigating the deferral process and crafting a compelling request can feel overwhelming. At The Art of Applying®, we help students write successful deferral letters and letters of continued interest, maximizing the likelihood of approval.

Book a Free-Quick Call 

Speak with someone from our team about how you can: 

Receive expert guidance on writing and revising your deferral request.Access coaching call videos showing how we assist other applicants.Benefit from personalized feedback on your deferral letter to ensure it’s compelling and effective.

The Art of Applying® is committed to guiding you through every step of the admissions deferral process. Congratulations again on your acceptance. We look forward to helping you achieve your academic goals!

Book a call on this link. 

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