Other Enrollment Options

Request a Deferral

If you would like to request to defer your enrollment for one or two semesters, we recommend that you first contact an admission counselor.

If a counselor recommends that you request to defer:

• First, secure your spot via the Admission Portal.
• After one business day, you will be able to view your deposit confirmation letter under Admission Decision in the Admission Portal. It includes the option to request a deferral. You will be asked to specify your new desired start term, explain why you wish to defer admission, and explain how you will spend your time between now and your desired start term.
• Students may request a deferral for four semesters (or 2 years) for the following reasons:
  • Citizenship in a country where you are required to participate in mandatory military service for a duration of 18 months or longer upon turning 18 years of age.
  • Selected for service in Peace Corps
  • Service on an official church or religious mission.

Requests are reviewed by the Admission Committee. Please note the following restrictions for first-year students who defer admission:

• First-year students may take a total of two courses at another institution while in deferral but may not formally matriculate at another college or university. If you plan to take more than two courses during your deferral or if you plan to formally enroll at another college, you will be required to apply as a transfer student for your desired start term.
• First-year students offered admission from the fall waitlist do not have the option to defer admission, but we can work with you on reapplying for admission.
• Transfer students should not plan to take coursework during a deferral. If you do continue taking courses, you must reapply for transfer admission for your desired start term.
• Performing Arts majors may not request to defer to a spring term.

You will hear from an Admission staff member within one week as to whether your deferral request has been approved.

Decline Admission

If you decline our admission offer, we will be disappointed, though we hope you will share with us some information about your decision. Please reply to our offer of admission in the Admission Portal by completing a short form indicating your college plans for next year.

Violation of Admission Policy

Emerson College reserves the right to rescind our offer of admission if the College receives information that indicates an applicant: provided misleading information in connection with an application, made incomplete or inaccurate statements, submitted false material in connection with an admission application, had a significant decline in academic performance after submitting the application, engaged in academic misconduct, engaged in disciplinary misconduct at any academic institution or with an employer, engaged in legally prohibited behavior, or otherwise acted in a manner inconsistent with the College’s Code of Community Standards or mission.