Strategies for Success in Navigating the Law School Waitlist Process
Entering the realm of law school admissions can be daunting and exhilarating at the same time. But, what happens if you get on the waitlist? You may have many questions that have unclear answers like, ‘How long will it take to get off the waitlist?’ or ‘What exactly do I do?’. With the right attitude and mindset, you can still secure a spot at your dream law school. In the blog, you will discover valuable strategies to navigate the law school waitlist process with confidence. Ivy Grad Services provides specialized support and guidance to students who are law school prospects. Their services range from LSAT advice, interview preparation, and how to craft an effective resume/CV.
Understanding the Waitlist
What It Means to Be Waitlisted
If you get placed on the waitlist, it simply means that you meet the requirements, but the institution’s already accepted a certain number of applicants that it has room for. It is not an acceptance or a decline of admission. If a spot opens up, depending where you are on the waitlist, you may be offered a place. The process can be very long and you may be notified even right before the term you applied for begins.
Being placed on the waitlist does not mean you aren’t going to be accepted, there is still a chance to secure a spot, but it takes a lot of dedication to put yourself out there to admissions officers. Being on the waitlist is often misunderstood to be a deferral, but a deferral means that the admissions office hasn’t made a decision on your application.
How Schools Use the Waitlist
Law schools typically use the waitlist to rank students based on their likelihood of attending if offered admission. Every school is different on how they manage the waitlist, and it varies every application cycle. Many factors are assessed for those who are placed on the waitlist: LSAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, community service, relevant work experience, and more. Waitlist admissions and denials are made on an ongoing basis.
Developing a Waitlist Strategy
Stay Informed and Organized
It is crucial to understand each school’s waitlist policies and deadlines, since it can determine your admission. Research each school you applied to, as policies differ across institutions. A way to keep track of your applications is to create a spreadsheet or timeline to stay on top of any required actions and update.
Communicate Your Continued Interest
After receiving your notification of being placed on the waitlist, your first step should be to write a Letter of Continued Interest in the school to exemplify your passion. Tailor each letter to the specific school you are writing to. Keep in mind that it is a persuasive letter to show how you are a great fit! Keep the tone positive, focus on clarity, and keep it straightforward. This is an opportunity to discuss items not mentioned in your previous application and write about new reasons why you are a great fit. Do not repeat anything from your previous writings. Lastly, get a second opinion to review your letter. Ivy Grad Services is a great resource to review your letter to make sure it looks its best to send out!
Update Your Application
You should submit meaningful updates to your application such as recent achievements and relevant work experience. Ivy Grad Services can help guide you in the writing process and recommend what to include. They can assist and approve updates to increase your chances in the admissions process.
Enhancing Your Candidacy
Seek Additional Recommendations
If you are able to submit an additional recommendation, it can enhance your chances in getting off the waitlist. When choosing someone to write a Letter of Recommendation for you, consider supervisors, internship coordinator, or a trusted professor. Ivy Grad Services can help you in the process of finding a great person to write an effective Letter of Recommendation and what information or content to provide for them.
Improve Your LSAT Score
If you are considering retaking the LSAT, consider the guidelines for retaking it and contact an admissions officer to see if it could affect your admission decision. Relatively, retaking the LSAT and receiving a passing grade, will greatly increase your chances of getting off the waitlist. Ivy Grad Services provides advice for taking the LSAT/GRE/GMAT and can craft a personalized study schedule to help you pass!
Managing Communication with Law Schools
The Dos and Don'ts of Follow-up
Refer to the institution’s FAQ site to see what admissions officers recommend. To request more information, most institutions have contact information available on their website. It is important to set a good impression from the start, so maintaining professionalism and displaying courtesy in all communications forms.
Interpreting Silence and Responding to Updates
No news is not bad news. Silence from a law school doesn’t indicate rejection or disinterest. The process can be lengthy, so it is crucial to remain patient. Check your email and admission portal daily to see if there are any updates in the application process or if the institution needs any additional information from you.
Planning for All Outcomes
Considering Other Offers
Evaluate your choices. Consider accepting other law school offers as deadlines for decisions approach. Stay flexible and open-minded throughout the decision-making process! Consider alternatives and assess your priorities. It is important to familiarize yourself with the institution's deferral policies. Consider the financial implications of deferring enrollment, including any deposits or feeds that are needed to secure your spot. If unsure, seek advice from the financial aid office.
Reapplying Next Cycle
If you are thinking about reapplying for the next application cycle, take this period as a chance to strengthen your resume and application. Consider widening your application pool with numerous law schools. Work on your personal statement with updated information with a positive tone. Reflect on retaking the LSAT, a few extra points will increase your chances of getting in. Ivy Grad Services can help support re-applicants in reassessing their options and provide insight and how to boost their application!
How Ivy Grad Services Can Help
Ivy Grad Services offers various services to support prospective and current graduate students. From a highly educated and experienced group of consultants who have attended prestigious institutions, you will receive the premier support you need. Ivy Grad Services has specialized services for those who are placed on the waitlist. They offer recommendation letter guidance, how to navigate application updates, how to craft an effective Letter of Continued Interest, strategic planning and more.
Ivy Grad Services has helped many students get into their dream law school and so can you! Here are a few of the success stories:
“Ashley Lhérisson was extremely helpful, but what I enjoyed the most about my experience was Ashley's thoughtful feedback. She was always available to answer my questions. Ashley's feedback has transformed my Personal and Diversity Statements and has helped me share my story and accomplishments in the best possible light.”
Amanda Gomez Feliz, Yale Law School, Class of 2024
"Ashley Lhérisson is not a want - she is an absolute necessity! I’d been working on my law school applications about nine months prior to working with Ashley. However, I got more stuff done in the 3-4 weeks with Ashley than I had in that entire nine-month span. If you’re looking for a flawless personal statement, crisp resume, stellar supplementary essays, and a bit of peace of mind in this stressful process - Ashley is exactly who you need. She's an absolute rockstar - anyone in search of admission to law school would do their application a disservice by not signing her on to their team.”
Gabryelle Matz-Carter, George Washington University Law School, Class of 2024
The key strategies for success in navigating the law school waitlist process include staying informed about each school’s policies, communicating your continued interest in the program with effective tailored letters, updating applications with great grades, and seeking advice from Ivy Grad Services. Receiving personalized guidance and support from the team of well-experienced consultants that have helped many prospective law students get into prestigious law schools like Yale, Harvard, and more, can help turn your waitlist into an acceptance! We encourage you to reach out to Ivy Grad Services for expert assistance in navigating the waitlist process and maximizing your chances of law school admission. For personalized guidance and support, contact Ivy Grad Services via email ivygradservices@gmail.com or on their website to fill out the interest form.