Reapply or go now?

[pamplemousse]

I got into a top 15 school for CS this year but think I could have done better. I also would just like a break from school, and my significant other just started a job and would have to leave it after only one year if I go to grad school now.

I am tempted to reapply and take this year off (do a little consulting work and basically just take this year for my applications, and sanity). But is there any risk in doing this? (Some risks I've contemplated: I won't have a super impressive job for the year, and maybe I won't get into another top 15 school next year, plus I'll be putting my career off for a year, and the school I got into this year is in a pretty good location-- somewhere we'd both probably like to live...)

[emmm]

If you are burnt out, you should take a break. You need to really want to be in grad school. Could you ask about deferring admission?

[pamplemousse]

The website says that they can't let students defer, but I could apply again next year.

[pamplemousse]

Ah, I misread. It appears that I *can* defer, up to 1 year. I just need to submit a statement of my activities during the period I wasn't attending. I'm going to call the school on Monday to inquire.