TL;DR — It’s Law School Waitlist Season, Fam…
Cordel Faulk, former Chief Admissions Officer at the University of Virginia School of Law and head of College Solutions’ What’s Next? law school admissions advising program, knows the ins and outs of law school admissions. In today’s post, he shares what it means to be on the waitlist and what should be on your mind as you consider your next steps.
Law school waitlist season is here! Remember, waitlist admissions are a normal and expected part of the game — it’s not a runner-up prize, and it definitely doesn’t make you “less than” anyone else in the class. What do you call someone admitted from the waitlist on graduation day? “Attorney [insert name] from the Class of [insert year] …” Stay positive, stay in touch (but not too much), prep your heart and mind for quick decisions, and if you need help figuring out what’s next, we’re here for you.
Waitlist Season
What It Means, What To Do, and How To Stay Ready
Welcome to waitlist season! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re sitting on one or more law school waitlists and wondering what this phase of the admissions cycle means for you. Let me tell you right off the bat: this is a normal, expected part of the process.
Waitlists are not second-place ribbons. Schools use them because they can’t predict with precision how many accepted students will ultimately say yes. When someone declines an offer, the school often turns to its waitlist — sometimes even deep into the summer — to shape the final class. So if you’re sitting on a waitlist, you’re still very much in the game.
And here’s something important to remember: being admitted from the waitlist doesn’t make you “less than” anyone else in the class. On graduation day, no one is going to say, “That’s Jane Smith, J.D., who got in off the waitlist.” They’re going to say, “That’s Attorney Jane Smith from the Class of 2028.” End of story.
What Should You Do Now?
First, if you haven’t already, write a letter of continued interest (LOCI). This is your chance to reaffirm to the admissions committee that you’re still eager and ready to attend if offered a spot. Keep it genuine, professional, and clear.
Second, stay in touch — but not too much. You want to show you’re engaged, but you do not want to cross over into pestering. Think of this like maintaining a professional connection: periodic check-ins, meaningful updates if something has truly changed (graduating with honors, receiving a major award, getting a big promotion), but not weekly or daily messages.
Prepare For Quick Turnarounds.
A key reality of the waitlist phase is that decisions can come quickly — and the deadlines can be fast. It’s not uncommon to be given just a day or two to accept an offer off the waitlist. That’s why now is the time to do some soul-searching. Where does this school rank for you? Are you prepared to pivot if they call? Knowing your own priorities in advance will make it easier to respond confidently if the moment arrives.
This Was a Competitive Cycle.
Let’s be honest: this was a competitive admissions year. That means the waitlist period may be less active than in prior cycles. But less active doesn’t mean dormant. Enrollment numbers can shift unexpectedly, and schools sometimes make last-minute moves that surprise even them. So stay hopeful, but also realistic.
What If You Don’t Get Off the Waitlist?
If you don’t get an offer and you’re heading to a school you like, you still win. You’re going to law school — that’s an enormous accomplishment.
And if you decide to try again next cycle, that’s okay too. It’s a rational choice, especially if you feel you were very close to your dream school. Now you have experience under your belt, you know how the cycle works, and you can approach things with even sharper focus.
We’re Here For You.
Above all, remember: you’re not in this alone. Waitlist season can feel uncertain and emotional, but it’s also full of possibility. Stay positive, stay engaged, and remember that What’s Next is here to help you figure out your best path forward, no matter how things shake out.
Good luck — you’ve got this!
What’s Next?
The law school application process is intimidating, confusing, and at times scary. We at What’s Next? law school advising can use our expertise to demystify this process. We want it to be more exciting than it is scary. We can help you find the right fit. It’s out there.
Led by Cordel Faulk, former Chief Admissions Officer at UVA Law, What’s Next? is grounded in deep experience and honest guidance. We’ve helped applicants navigate this journey before — and we’re ready to help you do the same.