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Should I withdraw my applications and reapply next year?

I injured myself a few months ago and have to deal with pretty constant mild pain that becomes severe at times. To manage the pain, I have to regularly rest and do certain exercises. In my current condition, I would be unable to sit through class or to study without taking frequent breaks, and when in class/studying I wouldn't be able to concentrate completely on my work--pain and pain killers can be distracting. Obviously I don't want to begin law school in this condition (and haven't visited any schools because i can't travel...).

This decision is difficult because there is a lot of uncertainty around how long it will take me to heal. My doctors say that I will most likely be better within 6 months, but it could take longer or I could have to get surgery (with a 2-3 month recovery time and about a 20% chance of re-injuring myself within 3 months). I much prefer to attend law school this coming year, but obviously would be putting myself into a bad spot if I am not in the best position to succeed during 1L year.

So what do you think; should I put down my deposits or should I wait until next year?

take a year off and go next year. GIve yourself plenty oftime to heal. Law school starts in 4+ months. You dont want this added pressure as you start 1L. If you have a favorite school that you really want to go ( and they offered you a scholarship) ask for a deferral for a year. If you dont- then let them all know that you are withdrawing b/c of this, and will re apply next year. They will understand. You dont want to have to withdraw from school b/c you physically cant hack it.

Since you can't get your application fees back at this point, I'd ride out the cycle and see how you do. I'm sure most schools will let you defer for health reasons.

I'm not sure when you'd have to notify schools of a deferment, but hey, if you get into a school you want to attend, you should be able to postpone your studies. And if you do end up choosing to reapply next year, you might have a better idea of where to apply based on your existing accepts/rejects.

I agree with what you are saying, and think I just need to be convinced that waiting another year is the right move. I really want to attend next year, family and friends are encouraging me to begin next year, and I told my employer that I would be leaving work this summer to attend law school. After all that, it's just pretty tough for me to have to put it off.

Does anybody else have any more thoughts on attending this year vs. next year? If putting off a year, should I withdraw all applications or choose a school and defer a year? When do I need to inform my school that I am deferring? Has anyone deferred at a school but still applied to a few reaches the following year?

Try deferring.