Still sitting on a law school waitlist? Don’t panic—many applicants get admitted off the waitlist, sometimes just days before orientation. And yes, some even receive scholarships.
This guide breaks down six specific steps you can take to increase your odds of getting off a law school waitlist, even at competitive T14 schools like Harvard Law, Chicago Law, and UVA Law.
1. Retake the LSAT
If your current score is below the school’s median, a higher score can absolutely help you get off a law school waitlist. Even hitting the median on a retake can change your odds. Assume all law schools will accept LSAT updates throughout the summer, even if they say otherwise.
If you’re already at or above median, a new score might still help if the school is trying to boost its 75th percentile—but the benefit is usually smaller.
2. Submit a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
An LOCI is more than a courtesy; it’s a key opportunity to reaffirm your interest and demonstrate fit.
What to Include:
- Appreciation for the waitlist spot
- Specific, compelling reasons you want to attend (clinics, professors, mission, etc.)—tailored to that school’s strengths (e.g., environmental law at Berkeley or the Innocence Clinic at Michigan)
- Major resume updates since applying (if any)
- Clear, professional reaffirmation of your continued interest
3. Add a New Letter of Recommendation
If the school allows it and you haven’t hit their LOR limit, this is a great way to provide a fresh, relevant endorsement.
Ideal Recommenders:
- A professor or TA familiar with your academic growth
- A supervisor who can speak to recent professional impact
4. Visit the School and (If Allowed) Meet with an Admissions Officer
Some law schools encourage or allow waitlisted applicants to schedule informal meetings. Others may track demonstrated interest more passively.
What to Do:
- Visit the school in person if feasible
- If meetings are allowed (e.g., Penn Law’s “informational meeting” or UCLA Law’s subtle interview), request one and come prepared
- Mention your visit in your follow-up LOCI to reinforce your commitment
5. Send Follow-Up Letters of Continued Interest (LOCIs) Every 3–4 Weeks
Persistence matters, but only if done tactfully.
Your follow-up LOCIs should:
- Be brief and professional
- Mention any updates (visits, conversations with students/alumni, projects, awards, promotions, etc.)
- Reaffirm that you would attend if admitted
If you don’t have any updates, a simple reaffirmation of interest and fit is still valuable.
Example: “After speaking with current students at Georgetown and learning [specific things] about the Human Rights Institute, I’m more excited than ever about the opportunity to join.”
6. Network Strategically with Alumni or Donors
This helped me get into NYU Law in 2013. I met an alumnus connected to the Dean Emeritus, and he advocated for me.
How to Start:
- Ask friends, mentors, professors, or colleagues if they know alumni of your target school
- Attend local or virtual law events
- Use LinkedIn and your undergrad alumni network
Examples:
- Your friend’s boss is a graduate of Columbia Law
- A professor knows faculty at Duke Law or Chicago Law
- You meet someone at a pro bono event or networking dinner who offers to reach out on your behalf
One sincere advocate can carry more weight than you think, especially for competitive schools where the margin is razor-thin.
Final Thoughts
Law school waitlists are unpredictable, but they’re also full of possibility. T14 and top-30 schools routinely admit from the waitlist, and with smart effort, you can dramatically improve your odds.
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