On behalf of Accepted, I hope that you and your family are staying physically and mentally healthy during these scary and uncertain times. “Normally,” at this point in the law school application cycle, future law students are thinking about admitted student days, what being placed on the waitlist means, and potential reasons why they haven’t heard back from Law School X yet with a decision.
Shifting your expectations during a “nothing is normal” pandemic
No one could have predicted a pandemic would impact your process as it has, yet here we are. Putting everything into perspective, nothing is “normal” right now and priorities are staying safe physically and mentally. That said, let’s try to unpack how to proceed.
Dealing with and adapting along with admissions offices during COVID-19
The March LSAT was canceled. Likely, many who are currently in the application cycle were not impacted, but I know a few of you are and were. I have a client in that situation, and the client emailed the admissions offices to explain the situation, and staff members are understanding, saying that the April LSAT will be accepted. Thus, offices are working and adapting alongside you.
For those who have been admitted and were scheduling visits to schools, first, congratulations! Recognize that on-campus activities are being canceled so that in-person, kicking-the-tires evaluation is going to change. Law schools are moving to online instruction for current students, and admissions offices are adapting to changes in the moment as well.
Be patient.
Admissions staff are human, facing the same pandemic stress that you and your family are, and believe me, they are keeping you in mind as well. They do not wish to add stress to you during this stressful time – return the favor. They are doing their best to answer questions, provide updates, and move a comprehensive on-campus admitted student day to an online version.
Questions about the law school waitlist in the times of coronavirus
For those on the waitlist, the question of “How does your waitlist normally work? How many applicants do you take off the waitlist normally?” will not apply this year. Nothing is normal, so maybe don’t ask that. Know that in these uncertain times, waitlist movement will also be uncertain. When working in admissions and evaluating waitlist decisions/predictions, I always considered the “life happens” changes. Admitted students who deposit and intend to come to law school, sometimes will decide to not attend law school for “life happens” reasons. This summer, more than others perhaps, may be impacted by students deciding to stay home and defer for a year – who knows?
So, what do you do?
Be patient.
Be mindful of nothing being normal, and ask offices periodically, “Are you going to the waitlist? Do you anticipate making waitlist decisions soon?” But do not ask now; wait until the end of May at the earliest.
Waiting for a decision during these uncertain times
Are you waiting for a decision? Again, patience is paramount. Admissions offices are adjusting to changing times and trying to keep business moving forward. You will get a decision; it just may take a little more time. Again, these are not normal times and admissions offices are adjusting with you.
Be part of the change
I have heard from so many law school applicants over the years that they were looking to go to law school to make change happen and give voice to the voiceless. Here is an opportunity to walk-the-walk. Please practice patience and good judgment, take care of yourself, and adapt to these changing times as best you can.
On behalf of my colleagues at Accepted, we wish you and your loved ones health and peace of mind as we navigate these unprecedented times. Be in touch and work one-on-one with an advisor who will guide you and counsel you through any step of the law school admissions process. Explore our services here.
Christine Carr is a Harvard graduate with over 15 years of admissions experience, including nine years as Associate Director of Admissions at Boston University School of Law. She has read over 10,000 personal statements and counseled thousands of prospective applicants through the application process Want Christine to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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