Withdraw after enrollment/before orientation, reapply

[LSAThangman]

I enrolled at school X and I think I’m gonna withdraw because I don’t see myself doing well during a pandemic and due to personal issues (taking care of an elderly relative, parents divorcing, and I’m seeing a psychiatrist for an anxiety disorder brought about by these things).

If I withdraw before orientation, and I apply to other schools in the future, will these other schools give me less scholarship money if I have to explain that I was (briefly) enrolled at school X? Will my 3.6low and 170 still get me the same scholarship money at other schools as usual, or is it tainted by that “previously matriculated at school X”?

Also, is there any way to avoid burning my bridge with school X, or will they see me as a flake? I deserve it, I suppose, for enrolling and claiming to be adamant about moving on with my goals despite a pandemic, but reality just set in and I don't think I can take the heat.

[Jeremy Press]

Hi LSAThangman,

Given the (unprecedented, at least in the lifetimes of current admissions officers) uncertainties of this cycle, plus the personal struggles you're experiencing that are no fault of your own, it's very unlikely any admissions officer would treat your future application negatively. That includes scholarship decisions. So that should not give you any pause about your decision.

To maintain the best possible relationship with your current school, you should try to speak (if possible, though email is second-best) with your school's Dean of Students (or someone in an analogous position). Explain your situation as thoroughly as you feel comfortable. Tell them you're honored to have been admitted, that you know you eventually want to pursue a career in law and you'd love for that to be at their school, but that now is not the right time. Of course I can't guarantee the reaction. But if it were me, I'd wish you well, tell you to reapply when you feel ready, and then I'd hope that you came back! An understanding Dean will not see you as a "flake." They'll see you as a responsible person caught in circumstances beyond their full control, who is just trying to do their best by their family and themselves. You're someone they'll want to encourage, not burn a bridge with.

Please let us know if you have further questions, as we'd be happy to help however we can!

Take care,

Jeremy