If you do a lot better after being accepted, you can try negotiating for your first year. Unless you did a binding early decision, you have the card of withdrawing if you don't get more $ so schools typically offer up some money.
Taking time off can actually be beneficial. It helps you rest and be more productive when you return. And even though you aren't directly doing LSAT work, your brain is still processing what you have worked on so far
@"GSU Hopeful" There are a lot of games that help with speed reading and information processing. I've been subbed for 2 months and it's really helped me improve in those areas.