What is deferred admission?
Admitted degree-seeking freshmen may request an admission deferment for up to one year (two for religious mission trips) from the entry term for which they initially applied. Students granted deferred admission may not enroll at another college, university, or in a program that grants credit through an accredited institution (in the United States or abroad). A student who does so will forfeit their deferred admission status.
What types of deferment requests are typically granted?
Admission deferment/gap year requests that are typically, but not automatically, approved include non-academic cultural experiences, participation in military basic training, the pursuit of specialized pre-professional opportunities, participation in structured non-academic gap year programs, or requests made due to significant medical concerns.
Who is eligible to request an admission deferment?
- Direct from high school admitted freshmen may request a deferment.
- Active-duty military personnel or admitted students with other military obligations.
- Students with documented chronic medical conditions.
What is the process to defer admission?
- Contact your admissions counselor by phone (405-325-2151) or email (admissions@ou.edu) to discuss your circumstances. Your admissions counselor may then add the online Admission Deferment/Gap Year Request form to your application account.
- Complete and submit the online form.
- The request will then be reviewed by our admissions committee, and you will be notified of the final decision usually within 2-3 weeks.
If your request for deferred admission is granted:
- Submit any final transcripts.
- Once all updated documents are submitted, a final review of your file will take place.
- A new admission letter will be mailed to you once the University begins formally admitting students for your new intended entry term.
- Follow the instructions within your admission letter to transition to OU.
What steps do I need to take after I receive approval for deferment?
Many of the checklist items you have already completed will carry over for your new entry term. Additionally, if you have not already done so, please be sure to submit your final high school transcripts. Should you complete post-secondary coursework between now and your new entry date you will be required to reapply to the university as either a freshman or transfer student, depending on the number of hours completed.
But there are a few other items you need to take care of below (see "what happens to my scholarships and financial aid?")
When I receive an approved deferment request, what happens to my scholarships and financial aid?
Your action items:
- If Oklahoma's Promise Eligible Student: Please ensure you are in contact with The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education office (OSRHE) to let them know you have received an approved deferment from OU.
- If Institutional Nominee/Oklahoma State Regents' Academic Scholars Program Award Only: Please fill out the Academic Scholar Program Leave of Absence Request form. This OSRHE form allows you to maintain your scholarship award when you start with OU.
- If Institutional Nominee/Oklahoma State Regent's Academic Scholars Program Award/Oklahoma National Merit with Oklahoma's Promise: Please touch base with The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education office to inform them of your approved deferment from OU. Additionally, you will need to fill out the Academic Scholars Program Leave of Absence Request form. This OSRHE form allows you to maintain your scholarship award when you start with OU.
- If In-State National Merit only: You will need to fill out the Academic Scholars Program Leave of Absence Request form. This OSRHE form allows you to maintain your scholarship award when you start with OU. Additionally, you will need to obtain gap year approval from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Director of Sponsor Services, Jennifer Weissner. Her phone is (847) 866-5120.
- If Out-of-State National Merit Only: You will need to obtain gap year approval from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Director of Sponsor Services, Jennifer Weissner. Her phone is (847) 866-5120.
To retain OAR merit-based awards, no additional steps need to be taken by the student once a deferment has been granted. Those awards will automatically be granted.
If your request for deferred admission is denied:
- You may reapply for admission when your desired entry term opens for applications.
May I appeal a denial of deferred admission?
All decisions are final and may not be appealed.
What steps do I need to take after I receive approval for deferment?
