Should I R&R or just go?
TL;DR: R&R next cycle or attend with little scholarship?
Hey all. I’ve been contemplating posting this, so sorry if it's a long read. So far, I’ve heard back from 4 out of 13 schools, 2 have been As (AU WCL and Suffolk), one WL (UNLV), and one R (GW). I like AU's IL program, so I'm happy about that. However, both schools gave me very little scholarship (basically nothing). I kinda expected this, but still applied as I felt pressured (family, society, etc.). For context: 3.72 GPA, T3 softs (1 year public service WE), really strong essays and LoRs, first-gen minority. I’m interested in PI, immigration/human rights, and IL. Sadly, I felt my LSAT would limit me (154). I don’t know if there is much else I can do to improve my application other than the LSAT.
I guess I shouldn’t rule myself out yet, but I can’t help but feel like I screwed myself with the low LSAT and wasted my potential and overall strength of my application. I have started thinking of possibly R&Ring next cycle, but I would hate to go through the process all over again, like rewriting the essays I was proud of and taking the LSAT again (taken it 3 times so far, very clearly the bane of my existence). I guess it helps that I would have a job I really love and have great relationships in.
I’m kind of in a tough spot right now. I’m waiting to hear back from other schools, but my deposit deadlines are April 22 and 24. I could keep waiting for the rest of the schools to give me their decisions, but I feel like time is passing me by and I have to make a decision soon: either accept an offer or R&R. On top of all of this, my employer has extended a return offer and expressed they would love to have me another year (they've been super supportive, overall great work environment and learning experience). I don’t want to leave them waiting as I feel it is rude and I really value them. My parents are adamant that I should just accept one of the offers I have and go to law school now rather than later. They're weirdly nonchalant about the loans (their argument is you can make back money but can’t get back time). I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed. I don’t know how much longer schools will take to send out their decisions, but I feel like I should make a decision by May, so if I do end up R&Ring, I can start studying again in time for Aug, Sept or Oct LSAT (Oct being the last option).
I could possibly negotiate the scholarships, but I’m not really sure until I receive all of my decisions. I've read that some schools offer scholarships after 1L. I’ve also read some people have chosen to defer, but I am not sure my reasons would qualify (I believe AU WCL does binding deferral but Suffolk doesn’t). I also worry that either school might not accept me the second time around. Is it common for schools that have accepted you previously to accept you again in another cycle?
Am I being too negative too soon? Maybe I’m just spiraling lol. But with how tough and crazy this cycle has been, I’m afraid it's only going to get more competitive. It probably will, so maybe I should be grateful and commit to one…