The Waitlist Purgatory [NEW POLL!!] Forum

[Instrumental]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

If something was really off with his app, wouldn't they just ding him? I really believe it's bad luck/late application.
I keep saying it: there's a huge disadvantage in applying late, and IMO people don't underscore this enough.

Late apps can definitely be a huge detriment, but I think Nightwing applied around the same time I and a lot of others who have gotten acceptances to some of those schools did (early Jan.) so I don't think late application is the main issue. I can't help but think there is some glaring issue on the softs that makes them somewhat reluctant because his numbers are good. Could be bad luck, but there has to be a reason for it. It's almost as if he is in some sort of limbo where maybe the lower ranked schools think his stats are too good and the higher ranked ones are thinking they aren't quite up to snuff and there is no inbetween. idk.

[alpha kenny body]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

If something was really off with his app, wouldn't they just ding him? I really believe it's bad luck/late application.
I keep saying it: there's a huge disadvantage in applying late, and IMO people don't underscore this enough.

Late apps can definitely be a huge detriment, but I think Nightwing applied around the same time I and a lot of others who have gotten acceptances to some of those schools did (early Jan.) so I don't think late application is the main issue. I can't help but think there is some glaring issue on the softs that makes them somewhat reluctant because his numbers are good. Could be bad luck, but there has to be a reason for it. It's almost as if he is in some sort of limbo where maybe the lower ranked schools think his stats are too good and the higher ranked ones are thinking they aren't quite up to snuff and there is no inbetween. idk.

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

[Instrumental]

Going for the long con eh. True, that is always a possibility. In which case, good show.

[Nightwing]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

No, I've only had people in person look them over before. There were some criticisms, but generally the feedback was positive. I'm not under any illusion of my materials being amazing and my softs probably aren't doing me any favors, but I'm not aware of anything in particular being bad enough to get an app with my LSAT score consistently being thrown in the recycling bin. UChicago and Columbia waitlisting me alongside Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt is just plain weird, right? Georgetown and Columbia (and all of the other schools that do face-to-face interviews) didn't offer me interviews or anything either. If they were concerned about something in my materials, why don't they just ask or test me or something?

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

I only withhold exact info so as to keep my identity as much of a secret as possible. I'm not the strongest applicant out there and I'm sure I have my weak points, but I've already shared as much. I'm a splitter, but not ridiculously so. My softs aren't special, but my numbers have good acceptance rates on MyLSN for much of the T13 (including NYU and Columbia). Like Instrumental said, I applied right after December LSAT scores released. What purpose would making up some elaborate, months-long hoax of under-performance on a law school acceptances board serve?

[BabyDoc2JD]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

No, I've only had people in person look them over before. There were some criticisms, but generally the feedback was positive. I'm not under any illusion of my materials being amazing and my softs probably aren't doing me any favors, but I'm not aware of anything in particular being bad enough to get an app with my LSAT score consistently being thrown in the recycling bin. UChicago and Columbia waitlisting me alongside Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt is just plain weird, right? Georgetown and Columbia (and all of the other schools that do face-to-face interviews) didn't offer me interviews or anything either. If they were concerned about something in my materials, why don't they just ask or test me or something?

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

I only withhold exact info so as to keep my identity as much of a secret as possible. I'm not the strongest applicant out there and I'm sure I have my weak points, but I've already shared as much. I'm a splitter, but not ridiculously so. My softs aren't special, but my numbers have good acceptance rates on MyLSN for much of the T13 (including NYU and Columbia). Like Instrumental said, I applied right after December LSAT scores released. What purpose would making up some elaborate, months-long hoax of under-performance on a law school acceptances board serve?

I worked with an admissions consultant. My first personal statement went completely in the bin, and my second went through 13 revisions before it was considered ready for applications. In my experience my friends many of whom are experienced attorneys were not able to give useful feedback about what adcoms are looking for on these important documents. If you can afford it, and you don't have a positive result on the waitlist cycle I would recommend that type of service. There are many around I can direct you to the one I used.

[Nightwing]

I worked with an admissions consultant. My first personal statement went completely in the bin, and my second went through 13 revisions before it was considered ready for applications. In my experience my friends many of whom are experienced attorneys were not able to give useful feedback about what adcoms are looking for on these important documents. If you can afford it, and you don't have a positive result on the waitlist cycle I would recommend that type of service. There are many around I can direct you to the one I used.

Much appreciated, thank you. I've been really regretting not getting some consulting help.

[irongirl51]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

No, I've only had people in person look them over before. There were some criticisms, but generally the feedback was positive. I'm not under any illusion of my materials being amazing and my softs probably aren't doing me any favors, but I'm not aware of anything in particular being bad enough to get an app with my LSAT score consistently being thrown in the recycling bin. UChicago and Columbia waitlisting me alongside Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt is just plain weird, right? Georgetown and Columbia (and all of the other schools that do face-to-face interviews) didn't offer me interviews or anything either. If they were concerned about something in my materials, why don't they just ask or test me or something?

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

I only withhold exact info so as to keep my identity as much of a secret as possible. I'm not the strongest applicant out there and I'm sure I have my weak points, but I've already shared as much. I'm a splitter, but not ridiculously so. My softs aren't special, but my numbers have good acceptance rates on MyLSN for much of the T13 (including NYU and Columbia). Like Instrumental said, I applied right after December LSAT scores released. What purpose would making up some elaborate, months-long hoax of under-performance on a law school acceptances board serve?

I worked with an admissions consultant. My first personal statement went completely in the bin, and my second went through 13 revisions before it was considered ready for applications. In my experience my friends many of whom are experienced attorneys were not able to give useful feedback about what adcoms are looking for on these important documents. If you can afford it, and you don't have a positive result on the waitlist cycle I would recommend that type of service. There are many around I can direct you to the one I used.

Ooooh can I get in on this consulting directing, I might need it if this cycle doesn't work out. All I know of is of Spivey...but idkn much else. Any references would be greatly appreciated!

[charles117]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

If something was really off with his app, wouldn't they just ding him? I really believe it's bad luck/late application.
I keep saying it: there's a huge disadvantage in applying late, and IMO people don't underscore this enough.

Late apps can definitely be a huge detriment, but I think Nightwing applied around the same time I and a lot of others who have gotten acceptances to some of those schools did (early Jan.) so I don't think late application is the main issue. I can't help but think there is some glaring issue on the softs that makes them somewhat reluctant because his numbers are good. Could be bad luck, but there has to be a reason for it. It's almost as if he is in some sort of limbo where maybe the lower ranked schools think his stats are too good and the higher ranked ones are thinking they aren't quite up to snuff and there is no inbetween. idk.

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

if there was another reason, he has no obligation to disclose it to internet strangers. besides, I've been here a few months and he's hardly trolling. let the man grieve in peace.

[alpha kenny body]

If something was really off with his app,
if there was another reason, he has no obligation to disclose it to internet strangers. besides, I've been here a few months and he's hardly trolling. let the man grieve in peace.

You're taking me, and yourself, a little too seriously. Cool your jets, Goose.

[mander]

Does anyone know how LORs (from boss) should be submitted at this point? Through LSAC, emailed, or mailed?

[floatie]

Does anyone know how LORs (from boss) should be submitted at this point? Through LSAC, emailed, or mailed?

I sent in an extra letter through LSAC. Even if you've already sent off your application, they'll automatically forward additional letters that you add.

[mander]

Does anyone know how LORs (from boss) should be submitted at this point? Through LSAC, emailed, or mailed?

I sent in an extra letter through LSAC. Even if you've already sent off your application, they'll automatically forward additional letters that you add.

Yeah, but I heard it could take a week to get to them through LSAC, and I could be waitlisted any minute. Would it be bad to have my boss mail it AND submit it through LSAC?

[floatie]

Does anyone know how LORs (from boss) should be submitted at this point? Through LSAC, emailed, or mailed?

I sent in an extra letter through LSAC. Even if you've already sent off your application, they'll automatically forward additional letters that you add.

Yeah, but I heard it could take a week to get to them through LSAC, and I could be waitlisted any minute. Would it be bad to have my boss mail it AND submit it through LSAC?

When I submitted mine (I used Interfolio and had it sent directly to LSAC) it was sent almost immediately once the letter reached my account. If you're worried about the timing though, I would call the school and ask if they will accept an additional letter of recommendation mailed directly to the school. Some schools only accept letters that are sent through LSAC, btw. You can also update your application to let them know that an additional letter is on the way.

[lilitiger99]

I'm now up to 11, Columbia reserve today. So:

Columbia, Chicago, Cornell, Duke, Penn, Northwestern, UVA, Michigan, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt

No acceptances. I truly don't understand what I messed up so badly that I couldn't get one of these to bite.

Sorry to hear. Have you had anyone here look over your PS/essays/resume as has been suggested...?

No, I've only had people in person look them over before. There were some criticisms, but generally the feedback was positive. I'm not under any illusion of my materials being amazing and my softs probably aren't doing me any favors, but I'm not aware of anything in particular being bad enough to get an app with my LSAT score consistently being thrown in the recycling bin. UChicago and Columbia waitlisting me alongside Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt is just plain weird, right? Georgetown and Columbia (and all of the other schools that do face-to-face interviews) didn't offer me interviews or anything either. If they were concerned about something in my materials, why don't they just ask or test me or something?

Or they're just like, you know, withholding information from us about the real reasons. Or flat out lying. This is the internet.

I only withhold exact info so as to keep my identity as much of a secret as possible. I'm not the strongest applicant out there and I'm sure I have my weak points, but I've already shared as much. I'm a splitter, but not ridiculously so. My softs aren't special, but my numbers have good acceptance rates on MyLSN for much of the T13 (including NYU and Columbia). Like Instrumental said, I applied right after December LSAT scores released. What purpose would making up some elaborate, months-long hoax of under-performance on a law school acceptances board serve?

I worked with an admissions consultant. My first personal statement went completely in the bin, and my second went through 13 revisions before it was considered ready for applications. In my experience my friends many of whom are experienced attorneys were not able to give useful feedback about what adcoms are looking for on these important documents. If you can afford it, and you don't have a positive result on the waitlist cycle I would recommend that type of service. There are many around I can direct you to the one I used.

I worked with an admissions type counselor this cycle. Reapplied. Last year I was waitlisted by Chicago, Columbia, H, Northwestern, Vanderbilt....... etc, etc. Also applied mid-late January. The same thing. I redid my personal statement about 10 times, and applied to 20 schools or so this cycle. I've gotten into 19/22 ish (rejected by Penn and Stanford only), with some great scholarships and will be most likely attending a lower t13 with some money (but did get into t6).

It might just be your essay and your letters. I would reapply early, and work with someone over the summer. I started my personal statement in July, and my FINAL draft was submitted in December.

ETA: I did get some waitlists this cycle unfortunately, but the $$ I've received makes the wait worth it. I was considering attending Cornell or Vanderbilt at near sticker after getting off the waitlist last year, and I'm thankful I waited.

[VapidP]

If people are looking for admissions consulting other than Spivey, feel free to PM me for details. I worked with someone and they 100% are the reason my cycle went as great as it did (only 1 waitlist so far).

I don't any kickback from this. I really just honestly believe in the admissions consultant.

[blelwoods]

I'm so sick of writing these LOCI!!!!! Especially since I'm waitlisted at 7 schools ...

[Jack_Kelly]

Washington & Lee makes no mention of LOCIs on their website (though they do mention calling, which I haven't seen too many places). Still a good idea to send? I'm god-awful at phone interviews.

[Hi-So - ArshavinFan]

Hey Everybody - i'm a URM on the WL at UM, and I didnt originally sned a Diversity Statement ( i sent a why mich instead) I'm wondering if it's okay to send a DV and LOCI if you didnt previously send in a DV?

Thanks!

[LegallyBlackJD]

Any consensus on visits? Some classes are over and I'd probably have to give myself the tour, but I think it'd be worth it.

Anyone else planning to visit their waitlist school?

[charles117]

Any consensus on visits? Some classes are over and I'd probably have to give myself the tour, but I think it'd be worth it.

Anyone else planning to visit their waitlist school?

if its close by I guess it couldnt hurt. I wouldnt bother buying a plane ticket to look though

[Raven48]

Any consensus on visits? Some classes are over and I'd probably have to give myself the tour, but I think it'd be worth it.

Anyone else planning to visit their waitlist school?

if its close by I guess it couldnt hurt. I wouldnt bother buying a plane ticket to look though

Seconded. I think it's a good idea to boost your chances if you within a reasonable non-flight distance, but I wouldn't fork over $$$ for a plane ticket.

[Thomas Hagan, ESQ.]

Mods: What's wrong with the poll and how do I reset the tallys? Thanks!

*Don't want to give everyone the false hope that so many people have been getting off the waitlists already.

[Hennessy]

"waitlist" in spanish sounds like "list of despair"

[SybillAnnDorsett]

hahahah true ^ lista de espera sounds weird as f but it encapsulates the nature of the wait.

[SybillAnnDorsett]

is anyone doing extensive follow-up beyond the typical LOCI with their school of choice, post-WL? I've already sent LOCI(s) to one school, for example, and my last contact with admissions was in early March. Should I be reaching out again anytime soon or perhaps after May 1, their deposit deadline?