Deferment Policy
Occasionally an admitted student will need to reconsider matriculation for the application year. Personal or professional circumstances, such as illness, family emergency, job opportunity, or a public service assignment may warrant a temporary redirection. An admitted student may request to defer admission for one (1) year for JD students, and two (2) years for LL.M., Master's and Diploma students.
JD Admitted Student
The Admissions Committee will consider a JD student's request to defer for one year after both Seat Deposits have been made, and the admitted student has submitted to the Admissions Office a written request to defer admission. If the Admissions Committee approves the deferment, the student will be required to submit a Deferment Deposit of $600. The Deferment Deposit, along with the two Seat Deposits, will be credited toward the student's first year tuition.
If a deferred student enrolls in another law school during the deferment period, Pierce Law will consider the applicant withdrawn.
The deferred student must:
- maintain a paid subscription in LSDAS so the Admissions Office can request an LSDAS Report on January 1 of the entering year to include with the student's application record; and
- submit an updated résumé and letter of Intent to Matriculate to the Admissions Office by April 1 of the entering year.
Master Degree and Diploma Program Applicants
The Admissions Committee will consider a request to defer from an applicant to the Master Degree and Diploma programs after the $500 seat deposit has been made and a written request to defer admission has been received.
If the Admission Committee approves the deferment, the seat deposit will be credited toward the student's tuition in the year of matriculation.
The deferred student must submit an updated résumé and letter of Intent to Matriculate to the Admissions Office by April 1 of the entering year.
