I received admission into my dream school, UC Berkeley. I have a serious dilemma because 3 months ago, I was awarded a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to spend a year in Brazil–I’d be immersed in language, speaking to different Rotary Clubs about the USA, doing service projects. It’s an amazing opportunity, plus I’m the youngest Senior in my HS Class (I was skipped from K into 2nd grade at the behest of my elementary school principal).
Deferrals are highly discouraged, but there is a form to defer. It’s only available after May 1, and only after submitting an SIR. I submitted my SIR almost immediately after receiving admission. I have also applied for housing. I will file for a deferral, but they say a decision might not come until the end of July, which will probably be too late for Rotary International to accept my Ambassadorial Year.
Does anyone have any thoughts, and suggestions–has anyone ever applied for a deferral? If a I don’t receive the deferral, I’ll be a regular Freshman in August (a barely 17 year old freshman). If I receive my deferral , I’ll start next August as an eighteen year old.
I hope someone has some suggestions.
UC’s usually only grant deferrals for Military service, so they may ask you to reapply for next fall if you plan to do the study abroad. Sorry, I cannot give you anymore information. I have seen instances of allowing a deferral for a semester, but not for a full year.