Could I ask to be deferred off the WL if I get a Fulbright?

[maybe2007]

I just received a letter telling me that I have made it to the next round.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it, so can I ask for deferred admission from the priority WL?  Has anyone heard of this happening before?

[bohemian_revolution]

Can't help, but congrats on getting through. Where would you be going?

[maybe2007]

Thanks, Germany would be my country of study!  I'm kind of excited, but scared at the same time...I knew I shouldn't have applied to so many programs/schools.

[617]

I just received a letter telling me that I have made it to the next round.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it, so can I ask for deferred admission from the priority WL?  Has anyone heard of this happening before?

I hate to say it but I don't think this really makes a lot of sense.  Specifically, you'd be asking to defer "admission," which you haven't been granted if you're on the waitlist.  I think a much more reasonable approach would be to approach the school with news of your success with the Fulbright in the hopes that it'll push them to accept you (in that it makes you a more desirable candidate etc.)  Only after you're accepted could you even begin to discuss a deferral.

[bohemian_revolution]

Thanks, Germany would be my country of study!  I'm kind of excited, but scared at the same time...I knew I shouldn't have applied to so many programs/schools.

Sounds fun! I'd take the Fulbright in a heartbeat, it'd look killer on a resume.

But yeah, worry about getting in to the school first. Maybe the news of the fellowship will give you the push you need.

[maybe2007]

Well yes this is what I meant (about deferring admission), but I wanted to know if I would be able to defer if I was offered admission off of the waitlist. 

[617]

Ah I see the confusion, I got your syntax a little mixed up.

In that case, yes, I'm pretty sure you can still defer if you are accepted off the waitlist, but...why not call the specific school or schools and ask?  I'm sure they'd be willing to help.

Also - definitely try to use the Fulbright as leverage to gain admittance to schools that may have deferred or waitlisted you so far.  It can only help.

[iscoredawaitlist]

Well yes this is what I meant (about deferring admission), but I wanted to know if I would be able to defer if I was offered admission off of the waitlist. 

i have a strong feeling that this would make a GREAT letter of continued interest. you'd have to word it right, but you could kill two birds with one stone: get an acceptance off the waitlist AND get deferred. I think Northwestern would be thrilled to add another Fulbright scholar to their class, even if it's a year later.

[maybe2007]

Well then I will have to craft an awesome letter!