What Reasons Are Considered For Deferred Admissions?

[Medapp2017]

Hi guys,

 

On McGill Med admissions page:

 

Admission into the first year of the M.D.,C.M. program may be deferred for a period of one (1) year.  Deferrals are the decision of the Assistant Dean on behalf of the program and may be granted for the following reasons (this list is not exhaustive):

* Unforeseen personal emergencies or obligations (request should be supported with relevant documentation);

* For the purpose of finalizing the obtention of an advanced degree (request should be supported with details of the status of the academic program and a supervisor's letter detailing the progress and anticipated completion of the program). NB: Students currently enrolled in graduate programs are normally expected to apply only when they are in the final year of that program.

 

For the first bullet, what are some reasons that are accepted as unforeseen personal emergencies/obligations?

 

What if I just really need a gap year, how can I make it a legit reason?

[InstantRamen]

Hey! You never know! You could always meet with them and discuss. I will say that if your reason is just to "take time off because you aren't ready", they may question why you applied for this cycle in the first place. Make sure you're being honest. If they find out you exaggerated or stretched the truth, I dont know what could happen, but i wouldn't expect the outcome to be positive.

 

Good luck! 

[Bambi]

If you had wanted a gap year, they would have expected you to wait a year to apply. Going into the application process with the idea of seeking a deferral if you are accepted just b/c you want a year off, would be considered bad form and you wouldn't be doing yourself any favours by requesting a deferral for a flimsy reason, which would be recognized as such. Take it as given that they are smarter than you and they have already heard of every outlandish excuse beyond your imagination. A death in the family where you are responsible for survivors or medical reasons related to yourself or family would fit, but if the explanation is not legit, don't waste their time and look like a fool to them before classes. If you are fortunate enough to be accepted, consider yourself lucky and don't push your luck.   

[Meridian]

I was going to say  "ask that question in your interview".    That would probably guarantee you a year off.  

 

Point is -- don't ever mess around with an acceptance to Medical school -- you may never get another one.

[Medapp2017]

Well of course I didn't apply thinking that I will take a year off if I get accepted. I applied because I was ready. My reasons are very much personal. There is no death in the family, I just want to know if there are other reasons they will accept.

[t0ny]

I believe that finishing a Graduate degree (MSc or PhD) is probably one of the only valid reasons, other than obviously a medical condition or death of family. 

[bigshoes89]

The deans office is very helpful and wellness oriented. There have been several students in our cohort who have deferred their position in the class for different reasons - both personal and academic. IF you get an offer of admission it is because they want YOU in their program. My advice would be to focus on getting that offer of admission and worry about the details after where you'd be able to meet with the Dean and discuss why you would benefit from the gap year.

[caribou]

I've heard from credible sources in my cohort that it's exceptionally difficult to defer admission on the basis of a gap year. The university has to plan and allocate funding, resources, etc, for the number of spots each year, and students deferring admission throws a kink in that process. I'm not sure it's appropriate for us to tell you what might constitute personal emergencies or obligations... if something qualifies as either one of those, you would know. Just really needing to take a gap year will not, on its own, be considered a valid reason. 

[Medapp2017]

The deans office is very helpful and wellness oriented. There have been several students in our cohort who have deferred their position in the class for different reasons - both personal and academic. IF you get an offer of admission it is because they want YOU in their program. My advice would be to focus on getting that offer of admission and worry about the details after where you'd be able to meet with the Dean and discuss why you would benefit from the gap year.

 

 

I've heard from credible sources in my cohort that it's exceptionally difficult to defer admission on the basis of a gap year. The university has to plan and allocate funding, resources, etc, for the number of spots each year, and students deferring admission throws a kink in that process. I'm not sure it's appropriate for us to tell you what might constitute personal emergencies or obligations... if something qualifies as either one of those, you would know. Just really needing to take a gap year will not, on its own, be considered a valid reason. 

 

It seems like you guys are in the same cohort, any chance you know more about the people who deferred, or tried to defer, their offers? 

[bellejolie]

i know one person who deferred successfully because she had to finish her master's degree. but that's all i know.

[nervousnellie]

If you win a Rhodes, Marshall or Commonwealth scholarship, ALL schools will give you a deferment.They love to boast that they have a so ans so scholar in their Faculty.

[t0ny]

If you win a Rhodes, Marshall or Commonwealth scholarship, ALL schools will give you a deferment.They love to boast that they have a so ans so scholar in their Faculty.

Does CIHR/NSERC Master's Scholarship count for that? 

[BTJJ]

It's hard to know what may or may not be acceptable or not to the committee. I was accepted into the "Non-traditional-pathway" programme last year after being on the waiting list. I was an older applicant (45 years old) with a career (lawyer) and a small family business. Had I been accepted in the initial wave of offers I'd have had time to organise my affairs so that I could have started school last fall. But with the late acceptance off of the wait list, it was impossible for me to get everything in place in time. I asked the committee for a one year deferral so that I could wind up my law practice in an orderly manner and hire people to look after my business. I thought my request was quite reasonable in the circumstances, but the committee was not persuaded.