- May is one of the most grueling months for law school hopefuls.
- It’s when law schools send out one of three letters to potentially new students: 1) Accepted; 2) Rejected and 3) Wait list.
- Given that, those who hope to be admitted into a law school find that being placed on a school’s wait list is by far the worst of the three.
- Find out in this article the 3 things you should know if you’ve been placed on a law school’s wait list.
There’s no doubt about it: If law school isn’t already difficult enough, getting into a good law school can be absolutely grueling.
Most law schools begin admitting (and/or rejecting) potential law students in May and June. While being accepted or rejected by a law school will manufacture fairly straightforward emotions – happiness if you’re accepted, sadness if you are rejected – when law students are placed on wait lists, they become emotional wild cards.
Students describe their placement on law school wait lists “limbo” as is revealed in a recent U.S. News & World Report article When, How Law Schools Use Waitlists.
Given that, there are 3 things every new law student who finds they’ve been placed in this limbo should know about law school waiting lists.
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When the law school wait list begins to move.
Initial Notification Period
Typically, the first round of notifications for law school admissions happens from mid-April to mid-May. This is when applicants find out if they have been accepted, rejected, or placed on a waitlist. It's important to note that being placed on a waitlist is not a static outcome; rather, it marks the beginning of an uncertain waiting period where the applicant's future depends on how many initially accepted students choose to commit to the school.
Assessment of Enrolment and Vacancies
After the initial acceptance notifications, law schools begin a period of reassessment. They must determine how many of the accepted students have decided to commit by the deadlines, which are typically in late April or early May. This reassessment period is crucial because it directly influences how many spots remain unfilled, which then becomes potential openings for those on the waitlist. During this time, admissions offices closely monitor their numbers, often on a daily basis, to update their strategies on filling the incoming class.
Interdependence of Law School Admissions
One less obvious aspect of waitlist movement is the interdependence of admissions decisions among law schools, especially within the top-ranked institutions. These schools are keenly aware of each other's timelines and may delay significant movements on their waitlists until they see how competing schools' acceptance patterns emerge. This strategic delay is because an acceptance at one top school can lead to a cascade of withdrawals from other schools, freeing up spaces that can then be filled from the waitlists.
Strategic Waitlist Movement
Once the commitments from accepted students stabilize and law schools have a clearer picture of their class composition, they begin to actively pull from their waitlists. This usually starts in late May and can continue through the summer months. Each school's approach to managing their waitlist can vary significantly. Some schools might prioritize applicants who can bring balance to the diversity of the class, either academically, demographically, or through unique personal experiences and backgrounds.
Watchful Waiting and Chain Reactions
The process is akin to a tactical game where each school observes how others are moving and then makes corresponding decisions. For example, if a high-ranked school pulls a significant number of applicants from its waitlist early in the season, other schools might follow suit, anticipating that their own admitted students might withdraw to accept these new offers. This creates a chain reaction across the landscape of law school admissions, which can suddenly result in movement on a waitlist that had previously seemed static.
Continued Uncertainty
It's crucial for waitlisted candidates to understand that these movements can be unpredictable and often come in waves. An applicant might hear nothing for weeks, only to receive a sudden offer as schools make last-minute adjustments to their incoming classes. This period of uncertainty can extend well into the summer, sometimes just weeks before the academic year begins.
Understanding these dynamics helps demystify some of the anxieties surrounding the waitlist process. It also underscores the importance of patience and maintaining communication with your chosen schools, as well as being prepared to make quick decisions if an offer comes through.
See more
The Odyssey, or, the Education of a Law School Applicant
I Don’t Have the Best Grades and Am Not in a Top Tier Law School – Is There Hope for Me?
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How Do Law School Waitlists Move?
Factors Beyond LSAT and GPA
While LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs are significant, they are not the sole criteria for admission from the waitlist. According to a report by the BARBRI Group, 60% of admissions deans consider these academic indicators as key factors in their decisions. However, this means there is another 40% of the decision that incorporates different elements.
The Role of Letters of Continued Interest
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can significantly influence a waitlisted applicant’s chances. This letter allows candidates to affirm their interest in the school and inform the admissions committee of any new achievements or updates to their application since their initial submission. An effective LOCI also conveys the applicant’s commitment to attending the school if offered admission, which can be a deciding factor for admissions officers who are looking to fill spots with highly interested candidates.
Importance of 'Splitters' in the Admission Process
'Splitters' are applicants who have a high achievement in one metric (like GPA) but a lower achievement in another (like the LSAT score). Law schools often use splitters strategically to balance their class profiles. For instance, a school might choose to admit a candidate with a high GPA but lower LSAT scores to balance out another candidate with high LSAT scores but a lower GPA. This strategy helps maintain a diverse academic environment that enriches learning and discussion.
Tiered Waitlists
Some law schools operate a tiered waitlist system, where they categorize waitlisted candidates into groups such as "preferred" and "regular." This method, though somewhat opaque, allows schools to manage their waitlists more dynamically, prioritizing some candidates over others based on immediate institutional needs and goals.
Chain Reaction Movements
Admissions from the waitlist can often result in a chain reaction across multiple law schools. For example, if a candidate accepts an offer from a higher-ranked school, they may decline their spot at another institution. This opens up a new vacancy that the law school can fill from their waitlist, often leading to a domino effect where multiple schools may see movement on their waitlists around the same time.
Evaluating Waitlist Candidates' Potential
Selecting students from the waitlist can be challenging because it’s difficult to predict exactly how they will perform in law school and contribute to the school's community. Admissions committees must weigh their decisions carefully, considering both the numerical qualifications and the softer, qualitative factors that a candidate might bring to the table.
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How are applicants affected by the law school waitlist timeline?
Emotional Rollercoaster
Being placed on a waitlist can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially, there may be disappointment or frustration at not being directly admitted. However, it's important to recognize that being waitlisted is not a denial but an indication that the applicant is still under consideration. The prolonged uncertainty can be stressful as decisions drag into the summer months. Applicants must manage this emotional stress effectively and remain optimistic yet realistic about their chances.
Planning and Patience
The waitlist process requires a great deal of patience and flexibility in planning. Since waitlist movement can be unpredictable and may extend through July, applicants often find themselves needing to make last-minute decisions regarding housing, relocation, and financing. This uncertainty can be particularly challenging for those who have other significant commitments or need to make arrangements for relocating to a new city.
Staying Engaged with the School
During the waitlist period, it's beneficial for applicants to stay engaged with the law school. This can include sending a letter of continued interest, updating the school on any new academic or professional achievements, and reaffirming their commitment to attend if offered admission. Effective communication can keep the applicant at the forefront of the admissions committee’s mind without being overly persistent or burdensome.
Considering Alternatives
Applicants should also develop a contingency plan. This might involve considering other schools where they have been accepted, preparing for potential reapplication next cycle, or exploring alternative career paths or educational opportunities. Having a backup plan can reduce the anxiety associated with the uncertainty of waitlist status.
Strategic Decisions Based on Movement
Applicants should pay close attention to the timing of the waitlist movements. Initial movements may occur after the deposit deadlines of mid-April to May, as schools assess their incoming class sizes. Subsequent fluctuations typically happen in late May to June, and a final strong movement can occur in July. Understanding these phases can help applicants gauge when they might hear back and decide when to move forward with alternative plans.
Long-term Impact
For some, the waitlist process can affect long-term plans, especially if it delays other life decisions such as employment changes, geographical moves, or further education opportunities. Being mentally prepared for various outcomes can help mitigate negative impacts on personal life and career planning.
Conclusion
It is good to know that even the very top law schools have been known to go all the way until July to admit applicants from their waitlist, so if you’re worried about getting into law school and it’s only May, you’re a bit premature with your concern.
At the same time while it is unfortunate that your law school destiny lies outside of your hands, there is nothing more you can do other than keeping your fingers crossed and holding out for the best that by July a law school will have opened its doors and waved you forward to come in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When does the law school waitlist begin to move?
The movement of waitlists at law schools can be unpredictable, but typically begins after the initial acceptance deadlines in mid-April to mid-May. Law schools reassess their admitted cohorts and available spots during this period. Movement on the waitlist is often influenced by the decisions of admitted students to accept or decline their offers, which starts a domino effect.
Schools wait to see who commits and who opts for different offers, especially at competitive institutions. As other top law schools make their picks from the waitlist, it can cause subsequent movements across multiple schools. Waitlist activity can continue into the summer, with significant movement often seen around late May to July.
Q: How do law school waitlists move?
Law school waitlists do not operate strictly on a ranking system where the next person in line automatically gets the spot of a declining student. Admission from a waitlist is based on a variety of factors:
Academic Performance: While LSAT scores and GPAs are crucial, they aren't the sole criteria.
Letter of Continued Interest: A well-crafted letter expressing your ongoing interest and immediate readiness to accept an offer can strengthen your position.
Balance of the Class Profile: Law schools often use the waitlist to balance out their class profile.
For instance, if they have fewer students with strong quantitative backgrounds, they might prioritize such candidates from the waitlist.
Admissions from the waitlist are about filling specific gaps and maintaining a balanced and diverse class, rather than strictly picking the next highest score.
Q: How are applicants affected by the law school waitlist timeline?
Being on a waitlist can be a stressful and uncertain time for applicants. It is crucial to maintain a positive outlook and prepare for various outcomes. While waiting:
Stay Proactive: Continue showing your interest in the school by sending updates about your activities and achievements since your application.
Be Patient: The waitlist movement can continue late into the summer, so be prepared for sudden changes.
Explore Other Options: Ensure you have plans in place should you need to pursue other opportunities, including considering other schools or preparing to reapply next cycle if necessary.
Being on a waitlist is not a final decision. Many students are admitted off waitlists every year, often as other applicants adjust their plans. Understanding the process, maintaining communication with your preferred schools, and managing your expectations can help you navigate this challenging period more effectively.
Q: What should I include in a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?
A Letter of Continued Interest should be concise and focused. Here’s what to include:
Reaffirmation of Interest: Clearly state that the law school is your top choice and that you would accept an offer if extended.
Updates on Achievements: Briefly mention any new achievements or updates since your application, such as new grades, job promotions, or additional responsibilities.
Specific Reasons: Explain why you feel a strong connection to the school, referencing specific programs, faculty, or initiatives that align with your career goals.
Q: Can visiting the law school help my chances of getting off the waitlist?
Visiting the law school can be a double-edged sword. While it shows genuine interest, it’s not always practical or influential. If you choose to visit:
Inform Admissions: Let the admissions office know of your visit in advance, as they may offer to meet with you.
Be Professional: Treat any interactions as informal interviews, displaying professionalism and preparedness.
Reflect on Your Visit: If the visit strengthens your desire to attend, mention your visit and impressions in your next communication (such as a LOCI).
Q: Should I retake the LSAT if I'm on a waitlist?
Retaking the LSAT can be beneficial if you believe you can significantly improve your score. A higher score sent to the admissions office can:
Boost Your Candidacy: Demonstrate your commitment to improving your qualifications.
Make You More Competitive: Increase your appeal not just at this school but potentially at others if you decide to reapply in the future.
Q: How should I handle multiple waitlist offers?
Being on multiple waitlists requires a strategic approach:
Prioritize Your List: Determine which school you would prefer to attend if given the choice.
Communicate Strategically: While you can remain on several waitlists, focus your most compelling LOCI and communication efforts on your top-choice school.
Stay Organized: Keep track of all correspondence and deadlines for each school to ensure you respond promptly to any offers.
Q: What are the chances of getting off the waitlist?
The chances vary widely between schools and years, depending on how many spots become available and how many applicants accept their initial offers. Research historical data from the schools you're waitlisted at, if available, and consider:
Waitlist Size: Some schools have large waitlists, while others keep them short.
Historical Trends: Some schools may regularly admit many students from the waitlist, while others rarely do.
Q: How do I decide when to move on from a waitlist?
Deciding when to move on from a waitlist can be personal and difficult. Consider:
Deadlines for Other Offers: Be aware of the deadlines to accept other offers, including financial aid packages.
Personal Circumstances: Assess your personal and financial situation regarding relocating or making other significant changes.
Emotional and Mental Load: If waiting becomes too stressful or distracting, it might be healthier to make a decision based on the offers you have.
Q: Can I defer my admission if I'm admitted off the waitlist?
Policies on deferring admission vary by law school. Some schools may allow it, while others require admitted waitlist students to start in the upcoming class without deferral options. Check with the admissions office for their specific policy if this is a consideration for you.
Understanding these aspects can help you navigate the uncertainty of being on a law school waitlist more effectively and make informed decisions throughout the admissions process.
