<p>I think it’s actually relatively common for some Brandeis students to defer because they decide to spend a year in Israel on educational, religious or military programs, so I would not worry about your first question and I’m sure that Early Decision students can defer as well.
For some reason I can’t find most of the official info on deferral on the website, I’m sure it used to be there but they have also changed the website around.
This is one piece of current info I was able to find was here:
[Merit</a> Scholarships | Office of Student Financial Services | Brandeis University](<a href=“Merit Scholarships | Scholarships | Office of Student Financial Services | Brandeis University”>Merit Scholarships | Scholarships | Office of Student Financial Services | Brandeis University)
But I would definitely contact admissions and the Financial Aid Office for more info. </p>
<p>I found this on an archived version of the site from 2006, I don’t think it’s changed very much:
"First-year students may defer admission to Brandeis for one year only.</p>
<p>If you are interested in deferring, you should apply to Brandeis in your senior year. If you are admitted, then file an enrollment deposit of $500 to commit to attending Brandeis. There is an additional $800 deferral deposit required to hold your place for the year. While both deposits are non-refundable, the $1,300 will be credited to your first semester bill. Your deferral must be approved; please request a copy of our deferral policy statement and agreement from the Office of Admissions. The strict deferral deadline is June 1."
[Applying</a> To Brandeis » Brandeis University Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://web.archive.org/web/20060903211107/www.brandeis.edu/admissions/applying/defer.php]Applying”>Applying To Brandeis » Brandeis University Undergraduate Admissions)</p>