Can schools require you to withdraw from waitlists?

Comments

• tanes256 Alum Member

  May 2017 2573 karma

  @lsatlyfe I have no input here but this is pretty gangsta! I had no clue this was even a thing. I say get those coins though if you can!
• AllezAllez21 Member Inactive Sage Inactive ⭐

  May 2017 edited May 2017 1917 karma

  As explained by the Dean of Admissions of Yale, "law schools may not require applicants to withdraw from schools from which they have not yet received a decision as a condition of accepting a scholarship or any other type of offer" Source here: https://law.yale.edu/admissions/jd-admissions/ask-asha/speaking-law-school-scams

  That was from 2012. The text has been updated slightly, and I think the relevant text she is citing is now written in 2017 that law schools should, "allow applicants to freely accept a new offer from a law school even though a scholarship has been accepted, a deposit has been paid, or a commitment has been made to another school" Source: http://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/publications-(lsac-resources)/statementofgoodadm.pdf (for some reason it's not linking the whole hyperlink, so copy paste to your browser)

  If I were you, I would do a little more research, given that blog was written in 2012. To me, at least in spirit, such an imposition would not meet the guidelines put forth by LSAC, although those guidelines do say that they are not strictly enforced and are just guidance to schools.

  If I was in your situation, I would, depending on just how explicit they will make you certify you did in fact withdraw, simply accept the scholarship without lying or compromising your integrity. Or you could bring up this guideline with the admissions office.
• Mellow_Z Alum Member

  May 2017 1997 karma

  What I remember reading is in line with what was written above. Basically, they can make you withdraw apps from all schools that have accepted you, but not from schools that you are on wait lists of (or have yet to hear back from).
• dennisgerrard Member

  May 2017 1644 karma

  I think you can ask more $$$ if your wailist-school admit you. So hold on and do more research!!

  Congrats anyway!!!
• JustDoIt Alum Member ⭐

  May 2017 edited May 2017 3112 karma

  I think you should kinda push them off. Not directly but don't reply to emails unless they are required and stuff like that. If you don't acknowledge it, you'll have more leeway and could maybe say you didn't see the email or whatever. Either way, tread lightly.
• 1 Like

  Alex Alum Member ⭐

  May 2017 edited May 2017 23929 karma

  @Mellow_Z said:
  What I remember reading is in line with what was written above. Basically, they can make you withdraw apps from all schools that have accepted you, but not from schools that you are on wait lists of (or have yet to hear back from).

  Yup, this is correct @lsatlyfe.

  Also, if you haven't already, try writing LOCIs for schools you wish to attend, but are still on the waitlist.