Considering Admissions Decisions
Applicants are informed by e-mail or letter of the schools' decisions; candidates are either accepted, denied, or wait-listed, which means the applicant is considered a desirable candidate and may be admitted later.
Law schools often place applicants on "hold" or "reserve" prior to reaching a decision and frequently notify candidates of this status. Applications of those on hold or reserve are reconsidered at a later date, usually before the files of those who have been wait-listed.
Enhancing Your Application
There are several things you can do to improve your chances of admission if you are on reserve or have been wait-listed:
- Write a letter to the director of admissions to inform him/her of your strong interest in the school and to provide an update on your activities since you submitted your application.
- If the school is your first choice, state that you will attend if accepted.
- If you are a senior, inform the school of accomplishments since you applied, for example, that you have completed your honors thesis or you were accepted into Phi Beta Kappa.
- If you are currently working, describe your professional responsibilities and other worthwhile activities in which you are engaged; include an updated resume.
- Send an additional recommendation from a professor or employer; however, the total number of your recommendation letters should not exceed four.
- Visit the law school to demonstrate your strong interest; contact the admissions office to arrange for a tour and to sit in on a class or two. Some admissions officers will agree to meet with applicants, but generally these discussions are not evaluative.
Contact your pre-law advisor for additional strategies and tactics.
Making a Decision
Visit the law schools when deciding among schools that have accepted you. Take tours and attend classes, make an effort to meet faculty and staff, and speak with students to get their perspective on factors important to you, such as accessibility of faculty, competitiveness of students, career services, assistance of library personnel, etc.
Follow up with a thank-you letter to the admissions office stating what impressed you about the school.
Talking with students/alumni at schools of interest about their experience can be helpful in reaching your decision. Contact the schools to inquire about speaking with current students and whether they have an alumni network you can access.
Cost and financial aid awards also need to be considered when making a decision. If you will be entering law school with debt accumulated as an undergraduate, financial factors can play an even greater role in your decision.
If you are deciding between a school that is highly regarded and one that interests you but is less prestigious, keep in mind that more highly ranked schools will, in general, provide better opportunities after graduation. Large firms focus their recruiting efforts at these schools, and salaries of graduates tend to be higher.
Schools that accept you will probably ask for a deposit to hold a space for you. Deposits may be due before you hear from all schools. Contact schools that accept you to explain your situation and ask if they would be willing to extend the deposit deadline. Also, consult with a pre-law advisor who can help you weigh your options.
On June 15 each year, law schools may be provided information concerning applicants’ commitments to enroll. Applicants should be aware of policies on multiple deposits set by schools to which they applied.
Once you have reached a final decision on which school you will attend, notify schools that accepted you so that they can offer your place to someone else.
Reapplying Later
If you are not accepted at a law school you would like to attend, consider retaking the LSAT if you feel that you can improve your score, or revising your list of schools if you decide to reapply. Working for a few years can make a difference in the admissions process and can also provide exposure to another career field that might engage your interest.
You are encouraged to refer to the Law School Admission Council’s Statement of Good Admissions and Financial Aid Practices, which will help you understand the practices governing the admissions and financial aid process.
