My daughter was accepted to the two divinity schools to which she applied. One of them requires a one year deferment for all applicants just out of college, so that they can work in ministry to be certain of their calling. This school also offered D a full ride. It is a school in her denomination. It is well respected.
The other rarely grants deferments (according to their website), and offered her some money, but not a full ride. It is non-sectarian.
My D now thinks the non-sectarian school would be a better fit, because she wants to work as a hospital chaplain and serve people of various faith backgrounds. This school is also known for its rigor and is prestigious, which might help with future employment.
She had a physical health crisis in December that has required multiple surgeries, the last of which is scheduled for July. On top of this, she has had a recurrence of her depression and really thinks a year off would be ideal.
I personally would love it if she’d go with the full ride school, because I think it is a more spiritually nurturing environment, but both are affordable to her, so it has to be her call.
Has anyone had experience asking for a deferment? Any pointers on how to go about this?