Defer or re-apply next year?

[WeeMadArthur1]

DD has decided she really isn't ready to start uni in September so she'd like to take a year out and try to manage her mental health issues so she's hopefully more ready next year.

She was thinking if she gets the grades for her first choice she'll ask to defer for a year. If they don't let her, can she re-apply again for next year through UCAS?

If she gets slightly lower grades but still gets an offer I'm guessing they'll not let her defer. And there would be the risk that she wouldn't get in next year as she wouldn't have the target grades. Would she be better then to accept her insurance offer and ask them if she can defer?

It's really difficult, she's not in a great place at the minute but I want her to know she has something in place for next year to aim for.

I don’t think your grades matter when it comes to deferring. If you have a place, you can ask to defer. The decision on whether she can defer will be based on number of students this year compared to the number of students anticipated for next year.

Yes deferral will depend on the course and the strength of the applicant. Is she certain that she has picked the right course? Ie that the year out won't change her mind? You can always ask.

Thank you, that's reassuring. She's definite about the course, and really wants to work in that field, but it's the living away from home she's not ready for.

If her 1st preference university confirms their offer to her, she can ask to defer. Universities will generally be OK with this - we don't want to have students there who don't want to be there!

If her university 1st choice doesn't confirm her place, she might be better to re-apply in the next UCAS round for 2025-26, rather than rush to accept any place this year.

If there are anxieties, it is far better for her to take her time. She can work & build up some savings, and experience a bit of working life outside the education bubble - that's all good for young people.

Also check the course to see their feeling on deferrals. I know very few places are keen on maths after a year out for example.