When to defer?

[Goinggoinggone12345]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on when in the UCAS process it would be best to defer if DC is planning/considering a gap year - eg if you request a deferral upfront, is it less likely you would get an offer rather than requesting a deferral once an offer has been received? Many thanks!

Have they submitted UCAS for a 2024 start? What subject area? If so worth waiting for offers first then asking, or on results day. If they are year 12 you can submit a UCAS application in year 13 for a deferred year. Some will consider it, others are less keen , especially in stem subjects. Alternatively apply post results early in the gap year and offers should be unconditional.

Hi, it’s for a current y12 so thinking ahead. Subject is still under consideration but engineering is a possibility.

Might be worth sounding them out at open days this summer. Does he have work experience or related ideas for the gap year?

My DC applied for a deferred place. Wasn't a problem. However it wasn't maths, computer science etc where there may be reluctance to accept DC who've taken a gap year

Hi, OP -

Many STEM Schools are reluctant to consider deferrals, for fear that Maths will be lost. At a minimum they usually want to see a plan for maintaining Maths proficiency.

As a former STEM admissions tutor in an excellent School I find this fear overblown and indeed one occasionally hears of someone admitted to Cambridge Maths post qualification (but I bet they were keeping up with Maths). Nevertheless the concern us real, so your DC should be prepared to address it. Best wishes to them

Thanks @poetryandwine, some food for thought there. Out of interest, how does it work if the applicant requests a deferral after receiving an offer - is there any risk the offer could be withdrawn if a deferral isn’t possible? Or would the applicant still be able to accepted offer?

The uni can refuse a deferral, leaving you with the offer as it stood originally. Some unis are known ti be less sympathetic than others

Hi, OP - @LIZS is correct. I think some Schools, even within a given university, may have different policies. Normally the question will be decided by the Senior Admissions Tutor within each School or unit of admission

I don't know if it depends on what he wants to do with his year too? If he's not sure what to apply for and definitely wants a year out, would applying with his grades in hand be an option?