anticule wrote:Hey guys..
I got waitlisted this morning.. I'm a California native and I've been accepted into some schools in the T25 with $$$(don't want to name the schools)...I went to UCI undergrad and would love to stay in California...
Now I just wanted to see what you guys would do to try to get off the waitlist in my situation? Thanks!
This:
Proposed Steps:
1. Immediately write a letter to the Dean of Admissions informing him or her that you are excited about the opportunity of attending the law school and why you want to attend that specific school (e.g. a specific program, concentration, specialty, etc.). If it is true, inform him or her that the law school is your top school and will attend if you are granted admission.
Also, inform him or her of any recent developments (e.g., any awards or scholarships, good grades you recently received, great recent work or community experience, etc.). It is important that you clearly specify any recent developments and why that enhances your original application. Do not simply summarize your submitted application.
The letter should be less than one page and should be very simple, clear, and to the point. Overall, exercise good judgment when preparing this letter. More importantly, absolutely no mistakes! Remember, there is no margin of error. Make absolutely sure your materials are "perfect."
2. Find an alumnus or alumna who graduated from that particular law school and ask if they will write you a letter of support. It is vital that you be able to succinctly communicate your desire and strengths to this potential supporter. You should be ready to overnight mail or email them your application materials as a .pdf so they can get a better sense of your application.
3. Obtain an additional letter of recommendation and submit it. It should focus on your intellectual prowess. In other words a, "this person is brilliant and will do very well at your school" type of letter. This letter can come from a professor, advisor, administrator, employer, or member of the legal community.
4. Contact organizations at that law school and see if they are willing to support you in your quest to gain admission. Although I abhor colloquialisms, I must state that this step is a bit “iffy” because the responsiveness from these groups varies widely. It does not, however, hurt to ask.
Finally, do all of this as soon as possible. Your letter should be faxed and sent to the school via overnight mail, not e-mailed, the minute you are informed that you have been placed on the wait list. I admit that I am somewhat "old school" in terms of delivery. But whatever method you utilize, please be cognizant of the fact that time is of the essence.
