I'm going to apply to ULCA and then b-schools abroad, like INSEAD. I'm still trying to figure out my future plans. I want to get into International Relations, and I want to end up in Asia, (maybe China or Southeast), but it really depends on where I get accepted. I'm also thinking about traveling to Asia and figuring out the sector before returning to school. Basically, I'm wondering if deferment is common in the MBA world...? Does it give off the impression than I'm less eager than other students? Do most MBA programs in the US let you defer? And for how long? Thanks.

Does it give off the impression than I'm less eager than other students?

Why is deferment so obscure? It's not uncommon at the graduate level, so why can't people do it with an MBA?

I think that deferment is pretty rare, and frowned upon by MBA programs. I don't know how common it is in other graduate programs, but with the heated competition for enrollment at business schools, deferments are usually only granted for two reasons: if the accepted student does not have any work experience (ie a recent college grad,) or in cases of emergency.

UCLA specifically says this about it:

We assume that applicants each year are serious about entering UCLA Anderson the following September. Therefore Anderson does not grant admission deferrals. Instead, all admission offers must be either accepted or declined. Those who decline an offer may use the streamlined renewal process to re-apply the following year and be evaluated within the new competitive pool of applicants.

Ok, I see. Though I do find it strange that they would accept a student who is a recent college grad and allow them to defer to garner more work experience. That seems a little lenient, no?

It is strange, but I think it's mainly to help really promising younger students flesh out exactly what it is they want to do. They might decide in a year that an MBA program isn't the path they want - and a deferment would help those students. Here's what Stanford says about those situations:

Exceptional college seniors who prefer to work for one to three years before enrolling may defer admission. You select on the application the year in which you would like to enroll.
This may be a good choice if you are unsure of your professional path and would like to explore an industry. In addition, certain industries?private equity and biotechnology in particular?tend to recruit only MBA candidates with pre-MBA experience in that field, or with specialized knowledge. Management consulting firms also typically prefer MBA candidates with work experience.
If you are interested in pursuing a career path in one of these fields, deferring for a couple of years may be a strategic decision.
If you choose to defer enrollment, we expect you to work full-time during the deferral period. Pursue opportunities that enable you to build your skills and knowledge, expand your perspective, and develop professional judgment and self-confidence.