<p>I finished my freshman year at the University of Florida this spring, and planned to go back this fall but I have been offered a staffing position on the Obama campaign. What will be the impact to law schools if I take a leave of absence this fall and then return to classes in the spring? Or will it have no impact at all? I would really appreciate some thoughts on this as I don't have much time to make a decision. Thank you!</p>
<p>(Also, if it makes a difference, I know I will be shooting for top 20 schools when I apply)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>None at all as far as law school admissions. It definitely will not make up for deficiencies in in GPA/LSAT.</p>
<p>It’s unlikely to help or hurt your application, but it could be a great experience. </p>
<p>One caveat - if you took out loans your freshman year, you may have to start repaying them if you take time off. My loans had a a grace period of nine months; I had to make several payments the year I took off between college and law school, and resume paying my undergraduate loans immediately upon graduating from law school.</p>