Can my son defer a year after accepting the conditional offer?

[TeaWithPaddington]

Hi,

I'll have to look into this (my son has done everything for UCAS up to now with the help of his 6th form) but my son is now thinking of taking a gap year out and working abroad for 6-9 months. He got AAA in his A-levels and has secured his first choice offer with Newcastle University. He has been having doubts about going to university for a while and, imo, isn't entirely sure what he wants to do for a career (he applied for civil engineering). He has thought about the RAF but, for the role he wanted, he can't do as he is colourblind.

I just feel he would be better, now he has gained good grades, to take a year out (he prefers this option too) to really think about his future and what he wants to do. I don't want him starting university and wanting to leave not long after he gets there.

He thinks he can also look for an apprenticeship during the year out which would probably be a better option for him but he still isn't sure about what he wants to do!!

Are we able to defer his offer with Newcastle to Sept 23 and how long do we have before we need to tell them? A few days?? Ok conscious other students will be hoping for this place!!

*I'm conscious that should say!

You can contact them and ask to defer but they aren’t obligated to let you. You should do it as soon as possible.

You need to ask because not all subjects allow gap years.

He can ask but they don't have to agree and may take an age to decide. He may find it easier to reapply.

If they say no to deferring, your only option would be to reject the place and reapply if he really doesn’t want to go next month

Yes, you need to email them. Ime students have better luck when they have something lined up that will benefit their degree. But also, some unis just let them no questioned asked.

Just with regards to students not knowing what they want to do with their degree, I would argue uni is the best place for that. They have a careers service, will have links with alumni of his subject and will also have networking events. Fair enough if he also wants the life experience, work experience etc as well but don't let his lack of focus on a career at this stage concern you. In fact, it's an advantage because he focused too early, he risks closing doors, especially if that career doesn't live up to expectations and he ends up trapped 5 years down the line.

Thanks all

Don’t forget about the changes to student loans if he doesn’t go this year, lots more to pay back (if they are getting a loan)