After you have accepted Brown's offer of admission, you may request a deferral in writing by emailing admission@brown.edu. Students admitted from our waiting list are not eligible for deferrals. All requests for deferrals should be made by May 15.

We have found that students often benefit from taking time between high school and college. Some students will choose not to apply to college during their senior year, to take time off and then apply during the gap year. Others will choose to apply during their senior year, and ask permission to take a gap after they are admitted. The latter option can sometimes help to streamline the gathering of required application materials. If you choose this option, you must accept Brown's offer of admission prior to requesting permission in writing to defer your admission for one year. After admission, please direct those inquiries to admission@brown.edu.

Brown will allow students fulfilling mandatory military service in their home country to defer enrollment once we have granted admission. Students must make this request in writing, as with any request for deferred admission.