Applying after Withdrawal Forum

[AGrunting]

I attended law school in the Fall of 2012. Completed 1L first semester. A few weeks into second semester, my mother passed away, so I planned to return home for 1.5 weeks. One week after she passed, both my older brother and grandmother passed away. Not a good time. I took a leave of absence, then chose to withdraw from the law school that February. I'm now completing my applications to law schools(again). I'm wondering how or if I should even address this in an addendum or personal statement. I do have a personal statement that mentions reasons why I want to complete law school though it is likely not as strong as my other personal statement. Alternatively, I could always work those those reasons into my stronger PS.

[Sweetneers]

I attended law school in the Fall of 2012. Completed 1L first semester. A few weeks into second semester, my mother passed away, so I planned to return home for 1.5 weeks. One week after she passed, both my older brother and grandmother passed away. Not a good time. I took a leave of absence, then chose to withdraw from the law school that February. I'm now completing my applications to law schools(again). I'm wondering how or if I should even address this in an addendum or personal statement. I do have a personal statement that mentions reasons why I want to complete law school though it is likely not as strong as my other personal statement. Alternatively, I could always work those those reasons into my stronger PS.

I think you must absolutely do an addendum; however, most schools I've seen have a question about going to law school before and if you answer yes, why you're applying... not much choice on your end for those apps.

[Abraham Lincoln Uni.]

I am sorry to hear about what happened. In terms of the addendum, you can include and disclose how that affected your studies and why you felt you needed to withdraw. It provides an explanation to the situation as opposed to seeing a “withdrawal.” When it comes to personal statements, students should select the essay/topic they believe is well written and gives the admission committee the best indication of who they are.