WHAT IF YOU’RE WAITLISTED

You receive a letter from your preferred law school. It’s not an acceptance, it’s not a rejection, it’s letting you know you’ve been waitlisted. What does that mean and what should you do about it?

 

  1. WHAT DOES WAITLISTED MEAN? – Being waitlisted occurs when there are no  more vacancies to fill in the law school program. However the admissions committee did review your application and is still interested. They are letting you know they will revisit your application at a later time, when vacancies happen from within the admitted class. This is not a conditional acceptance to the school. Best of all though, it is NOT a rejection!

 

  1. HOW LONG BEFORE YOU HEAR FROM THE COMMITTEE? – Unfortunately schools cannot predict how long before they will give you a final response or what your chances are of being accepted. It isn’t unreasonable for you to need to wait an entire year however, until the next admissions cycle begins.

 

  1. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED? – Some schools may ask you to complete a form indicating your intent to be on the Wait List. In this case be sure to return this form. Also, you may be allowed to submit additional materials to your existing application. Items like- new grades, any promotions or accolades you’ve received at your work, any updates to your Resume, any additional letters of recommendation. Some schools may also request an additional essay from you in the form of a statement that addresses your continued interest in the school and how your new perspectives and experiences will positively contribute to the law school community.

 

  1. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? – This is entirely up to you. Are you willing to wait another year to get into this particular school, or will your law school dream come true somewhere else? Talk to trusted friends and mentors to receive their guidance, then listen to your heart.

 

For more detailed information about the law school admissions process, and more go to lawadmissionsconsultant.com ……

Dr. Michelle Hubbard, Admissions Consultant