My child needs to take a deferment from the college they were scheduled to begin this fall for medical treatment. The college is far from home. As a result, and though medical treatment is not expected to be needed in a year, we’re nevertheless wondering if a school closer to home now makes more sense. I understand an early decision application is essentially saying you will come to that school and no other applications are out there. Can an early decision application be submitted if there is a deferred admission somewhere else?
What does the deferral documentation/approval say about applying to other schools?
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My understanding from the schools policies I have read on this (D19 was considering deferring originally) is that deferment means you have committed to that school - that’s why they keep the place for you. If your student wants to ED elsewhere, they should withdraw from the deferred school first.
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If the ED school doesn’t have a rule against applying to other similar types of schools (like no privates), you’re likely ok - knowing that you’d have to withdraw from the current if you do get in.
But it’s a tricky question so you might simply ask the college you are interested in that question. You needn’t give a name - just call admissions, ask to speak to a counselor and ask. Or you can call a few that offer ED that you’re not interested in (or email) to get their bounce.
And do you even need to apply ED to get into a closer to home school? For many/most, ED isn’t a significant lift. And for schools that offer merit, anecdotally you’d put yourself in a possible merit disadvantage because why give to someone who is bound?
Good luck.
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Good question! We have not formally had our child put on deferment … still need to check with the current college regarding retaining current things such as scholarship. Thank you for pointing this out, I will check into it. We’re at the early stage of figuring out the road ahead as this was unexpected.
Makes sense, thank you.
Makes sense.
Fundamentally you will also need to have the HS counselor buy into the plan, as they would have to sign the ED form (if your kid EDs again.) So…I would think about all the questions they might have, and have those ducks in a row before talking with them.
Good luck as you work thru all the details. And best of luck to your child and their medical treatment. 
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As an FYI, this is what NYU says as part of their information about deferring:
**We consider students who are deferring their enrollment to be much like Early Decision students who have committed to attend NYU. As a result, you will be held to the same expectations and deadlines as our other Early Decision students, which includes not filing new applications to other colleges and universities.
In essence, if you are approved to defer your enrollment, you are committed to enrolling at NYU but are simply making that commitment a year in advance.**
I imagine most schools have similar requirements; the others she looked at did.
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You’ll have to check their rules, but logic says no. They are guaranteeing you a place, and in exchange, you are bound to take it when ready.
If you tell them they don’t have to keep the spot, you in turn can shop around.
Hoping all health issues get resolved.
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Why would you be taking a deferral if the school is too far from home to attend, given the medical circumstances. If your child won’t be attending that college under any circumstances, the deferral seems pointless. Why not simply withdraw and start the process all over? Then you’re free to do whatever you want.
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Op said - “still need to check with the current college regarding retaining current things such as scholarship.“
Sounds to me like they’re not 100% sure of choosing another school. Maybe just 98%.
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Yes, I get it. But if the issue is medical, I just felt the need to ask if the original college is still an option at all.
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