Peculiar Waitlist Situation Forum

[ladybug7439]

Hi, All-

I applied to several law schools this past application cycle, but I withdrew my applications a short time after submitting them due to an enticing promotion offered to me at my current job. As it turns out, the one school I failed to withdraw from was NYU, my top choice. (Greater Freudian slips have occurred.)

NYU has waitlisted me, and I have expressed to Admissions that I would like to continue on the waitlist, figuring that an offer would serve as leverage going forward. On the off chance that I am accepted, would it have a detrimental effect on my future NYU application if I were to decline at the last minute, so I could continue working as I had initially planned? I am sure I want to go to law school, and I intend to re-apply for the matriculating class of 2015.

Your guidance is appreciated.

[oxie]

I'd withdraw from the waitlist if you know you will not be attending law school this year. My understanding is that schools use their waitlists to fill vacancies in their incoming class for that year -- I don't think you'd endear yourself to NYU admissions officers by staying on the waitlist and then turning them down at the last minute.

[NYC-WVU]

I don't know anything about it, but don't people defer? Have you looked in to that as a possibility? I could see where it may not be allowed for waitlist applicants. What would an offer serve as leverage for?
I think you should decide whether you want to go to NYU this coming fall or not, regardless of what they decide, and then let them know. Denying their admission cannot help your chances. In fact, denying an admission is bad for their numbers. So it could make them hesitate to admit you in a future cycle.

[NoDayButToday]

.

[Trout et al]

An offer this cycle will not give you any leverage for next cycle. If you don't plan to go this fall, just withdraw. Best of luck next cycle.

[BillsFan9907]

An offer this cycle will not give you any leverage for next cycle. If you don't plan to go this fall, just withdraw. Best of luck next cycle.

I think this makes sense.