yes, the EAS will be counted. It will always be counted for you.
As for the EAS acknowledgement letter, if you applied before Sep 29 you should receive one before November. I got mine about 3 weeks ago. If you're concerned go call them up.
ok yep i was wondering the same thing...like how to defer...
but i have a vauge recollection of hearing tht possibly you defer once your application has been accepted...hay, i could be wrong, but it seems logical? yes?
the UAC site has info about deferment...take a look there...