a bit of background: i graduated college early with the intention in saving money for law school + having extra time to study for the lsat. i was originally planning to take the lsat for the first time in August (was PTing low 160s) in hopes to score in the mid to high 160s by October.
in a crazy change of events, i was involved in an accident that resulted in me fracturing my femur. around a month post opp and besides doing drills here and there, i really haven't studied due to my chronic pain and overall depression.
im between a rock and a hard place. on one hand, this injury has completely disrupted my life, let alone my law school applications. on the other, im a bit uneasy about having to spend an additional year out of school. any advice?
2 comments
Hey! I’m actually on a gap year right now, I graduated from university in May. If I don’t get into law school this cycle, I’d have to take another year off. We’re in a similar boat (besides the broken bone part, very sorry to hear that), so just know you’re not alone!
Try to look at an additional year as more time to make money. I know it can feel like you’re behind, but there are lots of people in their 30’s and 40’s starting law school! Everything is going to work out how it should, and I’m wishing you the best!
I totally understand feeling uneasy about taking another gap year. However, as someone who had taken a few gap years (admittedly while working), it’s not a big deal. Time out of school can be very valuable and help you gain a more mature world view. At the moment, you’re in pain and probably not working. Once your pain becomes manageable (notice how I didn’t say “once you’re pain free”), you can get a job that will help you gain more soft skills, which will be very valuable in any future career. You may also be able to travel (once you’re a bit more recovered), which will help you gain perspectives into cultures other than your own (and you could probably work a few law school visits in there - just to see if they are in places you can see yourself living).
You were in a bad accident. It is totally expected and normal to let yourself have some time to rest after something like that happens. Give yourself grace. Not everyone’s lives move at the same pace, and that’s ok!