funding you thought you had for school fell through and you need an additional year to work and save money or to reapply for fellowships and financial aid.

Subject: Deferral Request for Kaneisha Grayson (Applicant #123456)

Dear [insert name of specific admissions officer who signed your admissions letter],

My name is Kaneisha Grayson (Applicant #123456). I was recently admitted to the MBA program at Yale SOM. I’m ecstatic to have been admitted to the incoming class and can’t wait to join.

I am writing to request a one-year deferral to the program.

[Here is where you insert the reason for your request. Keep this part concise and professional. Focus on succinctly stating the situation, stay solution-focused, and don’t try to appeal to sympathy; just state the facts and make your request.]

In order to hold my place in the following year’s class, I am happy to submit the form and deposit.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional information. Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing this letter in reference to my admission confirmation for the Masters degree in Mass communication from the New York University. While I am absolutely thrilled about this news, I would sadly like to defer my admission for the next academic year due to some financial restraints.

In the recession that hit our country vastly, my Father lost his job and hence we are going through some major financial crisis. I have also checked the available scholarship programs offered under my chosen degree, but unfortunately, the slots are already filled up. Hence, I need to wait for the next semester to have a chance to get a full scholarship.

I am really keen on studying Mass Communication from the prestigious New York University, therefore I am asking for your kind consideration.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Harold Atkins

JJS: I deferred last year (for other reasons). It's not a big deal, so don't make it long. They just need something in writing.

"Dear X,

Thank you again for the offer of admission at Y. I'm thrilled about the opportunity to enroll and begin pursuit of my career in law.

Unfortunately, I've been reviewing my finances and the regional economy, and I've concluded that I need to work for another year and build up some savings before I begin. In this market, it seems only prudent to minimize debt as much as possible.

So I would like to request a deferral for a year, and make a deposit to secure a seat in the class of 2014. Please let me know if this is possible. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my situation.

Thanks so much,