Waitlist Survival & LOCI Guide: Turning a 'Maybe' into a 'Yes'
Master the 2026 waitlist cycle. Learn how to write the perfect Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), time your updates, and secure your seat in the class.
Understanding the 'Waitlist Game'
Being placed on the waitlist (or "Reserve List") can feel like a polite rejection, but in the 2026 admissions cycle, it's a strategic move by schools to manage their Yield. A waitlist means the school likes your numbers and your profile—they just need to see how many of their first-choice offers say "Yes" before they can commit to you.
The Consultant's View
Waitlist Movement Heatmap
The LOCI Masterclass
The Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is your primary weapon. It's essentially a "mini-personal statement" that focuses on two things: Updates and Fit.
Anatomy of the Perfect LOCI
1. Professional Opening
Confirm your continued interest and thank them for the spot on the reserve list.
2. The 'Why Us' Deep Dive
Mention a specific 2026 clinic, professor, or program you discovered since applying.
3. The Life Update
Share new grades, a promotion, a new project, or even an LSAT retake score.
4. The Commitment Statement
Explicitly state: 'If admitted, I will withdraw all other applications and enroll immediately.'
"The Commitment Statement is your strongest tool. Schools hate empty seats. If you tell them you are a 'guaranteed yes,' you become a much more attractive candidate for their yield stats."
Timing the Narrative
Send your first LOCI within 2 weeks of being waitlisted. This confirms you are serious about remaining in the pool.
The Monthly Pulse: If you haven't heard back, send a very brief update every 3-4 weeks. Keep it professional and concise.
"Top Choice" vs. "Commitment"
Saying "You are a top choice" is nice. Saying "I will enroll immediately if admitted" is a binding-style promise that admissions officers take very seriously when they need to fill a seat now.
The LOCI Copy-Paste Template
Subject: Letter of Continued Interest - [Your Name] - LSAC #[Number] Dear Dean [Last Name] and the Admissions Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist for the [Year] entering class at [Law School Name]. I am writing to formally reiterate my strong interest in attending [Law School Name] and to provide a brief update on my recent activities. Since submitting my application, I have [Achievement/Update, e.g., completed my senior thesis on X / received a promotion to Senior Associate at Y]. This experience has further refined my interest in [Legal Area], and I am particularly eager to engage with [Specific Program or Professor Name] at your institution. I have also recently [Optional: visited campus / attended a virtual info session], which confirmed my belief that the [School-Specific Culture/Feature] is the ideal environment for my legal education. [The Commitment Statement]: If admitted to [Law School Name], I will withdraw all other applications and enroll immediately. Thank you for your continued consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining the [Law School Name] community. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
Beyond the Letter: Advanced Moves
Updated Transcript
If you are a K-JD applicant, send your final Spring semester grades. A high GPA in your final term proves your academic momentum.
The "Niche" LOR
Only add a 4th letter if it provides a completely new angle—like a professional boss if your first three were professors.
LSAT Retake
If you retook the LSAT and scored higher, this is the #1 way to get off a waitlist. Numbers are the easiest way for schools to justify a pull.
The "Visit & Value" Protocol
In 2026, schools are looking for Yield Certainty. A student who visits campus or joins a virtual chat is a "safer" bet than a ghost applicant.
Do:
Email admissions first. Ask if they have availability for a brief meeting or a student-led tour.
Don't:
Just show up. It shows a lack of respect for the committee's busy schedule during peak cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I deposit at another school?
YES. Always assume you are going to the school where you deposited. Waitlist movement is unpredictable.
Can I negotiate my scholarship from the waitlist?
It is harder because you have less leverage, but possible. Schools often have leftover funds in late July as people withdraw.
Does my rank on the waitlist matter?
Most schools do not rank their waitlists. They use the pool to 're-balance' their class based on GPA, LSAT, gender, or diversity as seats open up.
How many LOCIs is too many?
One detailed LOCI followed by very brief monthly check-ins is the standard. More than three letters is usually overkill.
Final LOCI Checklist
— Admissions Consultant
