Visiting a Target School While on their Waitlist

Selene Steelman

Waitlisted at your top choice school and you've scheduled a visit? In addition to sitting in on a class and taking a tour, make sure to schedule a meeting with an admissions officer.

Treat the visit like it is an unofficial interview (which it is). Dress nicely and be polite and professional. So much of what you might learn from speaking with an admissions officer depends on the tone of your conversation. If they are impressed with you as a person, they may be inclined to vouch for you and support your application when the school is ready to turn to the waitlist. If you are sincere about getting off the waitlist, show your sincerity and say you would definitely deposit if admitted. Do you have other offers of admission? Mention you have other offers but this school is your top choice. In a face to face conversation, it is highly likely that you will be asked what other offers you have, especially if you are an attractive likable candidate and don't offer the information in a threatening way. The school wants to make a fully informed decision so if they want you, they will likely want to know what your options are.

Definitely ask the admissions office what you need to do to get off the waitlist at this particular school. Be ready to ask 3-4 substantive questions about the school and its programming. Do some deep diving research so you aren't asking questions that can be answered from their marketing material. Be ready to talk about yourself and 3-4 ways you would make a great contribution to the law school community at this particular school. Leave them with a great impression.

Definitely do not ask them what your chances are of getting in off the waitlist.

Follow up with a thank you email to the admissions officer referencing enough of your visit and conversation that they remember who you are.

Good luck!