If you’ve been waitlisted for law school, don’t panic! It means the admissions committee saw potential but wanted to see more applicants before making a final decision. Schools also use the waitlist to manage class size; they will admit candidates from the waitlist if other admitted students don’t accept the school’s offer. While acceptance from the waitlist isn’t guaranteed, you can improve your chances by submitting a letter of continued interest (LOCI), sharing meaningful updates, and reaffirming your commitment to the school (if permitted). Follow each school’s waitlist instructions carefully, and take strategic, respectful action to stay top of mind.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to navigating the law school waitlist and increasing your odds of acceptance.

What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted for Law School?

When you’re placed on a law school waitlist, the admissions committee signals that your application is strong, but they aren’t ready to make a final decision — yet. Waitlisted candidates may be admitted later in the admissions cycle, including if accepted students decline their offers.

Each school’s process differs. For example, the Harvard Law School and Stanford Law School waitlists are highly selective and have historically low acceptance rates. Still, strategic action can help your chances. 

Understand How Law School Waitlists Work

Before doing anything else, read any instructions from the law school. Some schools may explicitly ask waitlisted applicants not to submit additional materials, while others welcome proactive updates.

If the school does allow advocacy, here’s how to make the most of it.

Submit a Law School Waitlist Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

One of the most effective ways to stay top-of-mind is to write a strong law school waitlist letter of continued interest (LOCI). This brief, formal letter should:

• Confirm your continued interest in the program.
• Share any significant updates since your original application (e.g., grades, awards, or writing or academic experiences).
• Reiterate concisely why you are a great fit for that specific school.
• State explicitly if you will attend if admitted (only if true and you want to convey maximum commitment).

Sample Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

[Date]

Office of Admissions [Law School Name] [School Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my continued and enthusiastic interest in attending [Law School Name]. I was grateful to be placed on the waitlist, and I remain deeply committed to joining your incoming class. [Optional: If true and you want to convey maximum commitment: I confirm that I would gratefully accept an offer of admission if extended.]

Since submitting my application, I have [briefly update with any relevant news — for example: attended an event at the applicable law school, received a promotion at my internship, completed a senior thesis on constitutional law, completed additional writing-intensive courses with a B or higher grade, or earned a 4.0 GPA during my final semester]. I believe these developments further demonstrate my academic readiness and alignment with your program’s values.

I am especially drawn to [insert 1–2 specific aspects of the program — a particular clinic, faculty member, student organization, or course] because [briefly explain how it ties into your goals or values]. The more I learn about [Law School Name], the more confident I am that it is the ideal place for me to grow as a legal scholar and future advocate.

Thank you for your time and continued consideration of my application. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there are any updates I can provide or additional materials you would like to see.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Take Action to Stand Out

If the school allows additional submissions, you can also consider:

• Submitting new letters of recommendation, ideally from academic sources who can speak to recent achievements.

• Sending an updated transcript reflecting improved grades or relevant coursework completion.

Visit the School (If You Can)

If you haven’t yet visited the campus, doing so can underscore your commitment. First check the school’s policy on visits from waitlisted candidates. Engaging respectfully with current students and admissions staff during a visit (if allowed) can sometimes be beneficial.

Strategize Around Seat Deposits

You may need to place a deposit at another law school to secure a spot while remaining on your preferred school’s waitlist. This is a common and ethical practice. Be aware that you will likely forfeit this deposit if you are later admitted off the waitlist elsewhere and choose to withdraw.

Use this time to reflect: Are you committed to enrolling somewhere this cycle, or would you prefer to reapply next year if you don’t get accepted by your top choice(s)?

Know When to Move On

Technically, you can remain on a waitlist until the first day of classes. However, making a last-minute switch can be logistically complex and stressful. Consider factors like finding housing, moving arrangements, orientation schedules, and financial aid timelines.

Ask yourself: At what point do the potential benefits of switching schools outweigh the practical challenges?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the odds of getting off a law school waitlist? 

A: Odds vary significantly depending on the school, the applicant pool, and yield rates for a given year. Historical waitlist acceptance rates can be quite low at highly selective schools like Harvard or Columbia, often under 10%, but this changes from year to year.

Q: Can I send multiple letters of continued interest? 

A: Check the school’s specific instructions. If permitted, sending a brief update (especially if you have significant news) when you have meaningful changes in your candidacy is reasonable. Avoid overwhelming the admissions office.

Q: Should I visit the law school while on the waitlist? 

A: If the school’s policy allows or encourages it, and it’s feasible for you, a visit can be a good way to demonstrate strong interest.

Ready for Strategic Support?

Our expert law school admissions coaches at Fortuna Admissions can help you craft compelling LOCIs and navigate the waitlist process effectively. We’d love to help you turn uncertainty into opportunity: book your free consultation today.