University at Buffalo (UB)
The State University
of New York
University at Buffalo (UB)
School of Law
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Deferral Policy

One-year deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances. Deferrals are typically granted to students with compelling reasons for postponing enrollment or to students pursuing one of the School of Law’s dual degree programs.

  • Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of Admissions by May 1. Students admitted after May 1 are not eligible for deferral consideration.
  • There is no guarantee that a deferral request will be approved. Applicants whose requests are denied must reapply for admission.
  • Approval of a deferral is contingent upon the student maintaining a commitment to enroll at the School of Law during the one-year deferral period.
  • Federal financial aid commitments cannot be deferred to a subsequent year, since awards of need-based assistance will require an updated needs analysis.
  • Students approved for a one-year deferral will be reconsidered for merit scholarship assistance alongside the following year’s applicant pool. The original merit scholarship award is not guaranteed. The Office of Admissions will provide an updated merit scholarship determination by February 1 of the deferred enrollment year.
  • Students approved for a one-year deferral are required to sign a Deferral Agreement, agreeing to:
    • submit a tuition deposit by the deadline noted in the original admission letter;
    • withdraw any pending applications or commitments to other law schools; and
    • reconfirm their intention to enroll by completing the School of Law’s Deferral Update Form in January of the deferred enrollment year.