by Joy Blaser
Five Tips to Get You Off a Law School’s Waitlist
At this point in the law school application cycle, applicants are starting to receive acceptances – and waitlist notifications. All things considered, being waitlisted is positive. It shows that the admissions committee recognizes the strengths in your application.
But unfortunately, getting waitlisted can often be more challenging than being rejected because you find yourself in limbo. What can you expect without a firm “yes” or “no”? And what should you do in the meantime to maximize your chances of ultimately being accepted?
It’s never a sure thing, but here are five tips to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist with an offer in hand.
Table of Contents
- Take stock of your weaknesses.
- Submit a letter of continued interest.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread.
- Remember that the waitlist process is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Show good judgment (i.e., don’t be a stalker).
1. Take stock of your weaknesses.
Think about what you believe the flaws in your candidacy are before you take any further steps. You need to be honest with yourself, but don’t start imagining weaknesses where they don’t exist. As difficult as it is to hear, the admissions process sometimes comes down to numbers, and there aren’t as many spots available as there are qualified applicants.
With any shortcoming you identify, ask yourself what you have done to mitigate it, and then share this information with the school – but make sure to focus on your takeaways and improvements, not your flaws, when drafting your letter of continued interest (LOCI) (see Tip #2). Depending on how much time is left in the cycle, also ask yourself if you can do anything going forward that might be helpful. For example, if you have limited work experience, can you find a volunteer position that can not only bolster your application but also provide insight into how you might want to use your law degree down the road?
2. Submit a letter of continued interest.
Every communication you have with the school at this point should highlight an update or recent achievement that is not mentioned in your application. You don’t want to flood the admissions office with calls or essays, but a well-written letter (sent via email) can explain what you are doing (or have done) to mitigate your weaknesses. You’ll also want to briefly reaffirm both your interest in the program and your reasons for having applied there. Schools want to know that the applicants they accept from the waitlist are truly committed and will actually attend.
3. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
You don’t want to send any correspondence that’s filled with errors or that rambles. This is your last chance to make a good impression. Keep in mind the volume of material that committees are required to read. They’ll appreciate receiving a concise and well-written letter.
4. Remember that the waitlist process is a marathon, not a sprint.
A law school will generally begin evaluating its waitlist after deposit deadlines. This process can last until the first day of orientation – from April to August. There’s a reason it is called the waitlist. Be prepared to sit tight, and remember that patience is a virtue.
5. Show good judgment (i.e., don’t be a stalker).
Do not write or call the admissions office every day. Once you’ve submitted your letter of continued interest, prepare a schedule of correspondence and reach out to the school no more than once a month. Strategically, you’ll want to send LOCIs soon after deposit deadlines. Make sure to follow any guidance the admissions committee gives for how – and how often – to be in contact.
When you write to the school, mention anything new that has occurred since you filed your LSAC application or since your previous outreach – such as a new honor, a new internship, a new job, or a promotion. Every correspondence you have with the admissions office should concern a timely update, so don’t feel compelled to write a letter just because “it’s time.” It’s typically better to say nothing at all than to write just for the sake of writing.
If you are ultimately not accepted to your dream school, you might want to consider starting your studies at a different school and then transferring. Or if the LSAT or the timing of your application was the problem this year and you’re able to take a year off, consider reapplying with a new score or earlier the following cycle.
Being waitlisted at the school of your dreams is undoubtedly frustrating, but it can also be an opportunity! Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn how Accepted can help you strategically navigate the waitlist process. We can assist you in writing a great letter of continued interest and answer any questions you might have about positioning yourself to get accepted!
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