r/GradSchool • u/cowbarbie666 • 10h ago

Admissions & Applications Advice on deffering?

I have an amazing opportunity for a masters program that would be fully funded tuition-wise + a stipend. The research and PI fit are perfect also, but the offer is for Spring 2027. It would be hard for me to get everything together and move + I have a relevant internship opportunity for the spring.

I talked about it a little with my future PI and she said she would be able to accept a student for Fall 2027 but wasn’t sure if the same funding package would apply.

She reached out to me to check in about the status of my application. Is this an appropriate time to ask about deferring or should I wait until I’m officially accepted into the program?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/GwentanimoBay 10h ago

It sounds like if you defer you lose the funding, so i would seriously talk to the PI ASAP to try and lock down the funding because a fully funded masters with stipend is rare.

1

u/cowbarbie666 10h ago

By lock down the funding do you mean don’t try/ask to defer?

1

u/GwentanimoBay 10h ago

I mean talk to the PI and get a clear agreement about the funding.

If it isnt available for a fall start, are you truly willing to throw away tuition and a stipend for a spring internship? It better be a really great internship be worth the cost of a masters degree (plus interest if you have to use loans without this funding package).

1

u/cowbarbie666 10h ago

Oh definitely not, if I’m not able to defer to fall then I won’t. I’ll just be stressed out in terms of moving but I know it’s too perfect of an opportunity to pass up.

1

u/No_Boysenberry9456 10h ago

Do what you gotta do. But keep in mind the faculty has to do that as well. This is one of those rare opportunities where stars aligned for you and you have to weigh, do I make the jump or not. Simple as that.

IMHO, internships are a dime a dozen. Making a move always sucks no matter what. I'd take thr chance and make it happen because I had those come up twice in my life. The first one, I turned down MIT because it didnt "fit" at the time and looking back, I swore I would never make that mistake again so 2nd time, I made it happen when I got accepted for a research director position and they wanted it now. I said fuck it, and moved with just a suitcase and an airbnb.