Four Tips To Withdraw A Law School Application

This is a very common question that plagues many applicants but one that’s easy to answer. For applicants and law schools alike, the application process can be incredibly personal. Applicants form relationships with law admissions staff, professors, current students and even prospective classmates throughout the admissions cycle. Many applicants struggle to withdraw their application from consideration because they feel connected to a school, even though it’s not the best fit for them.

Four Tips To Withdraw A Law School Application

Here are 4 easy tips on how to withdraw a law school application without any stress.

1. Withdraw in writing by emailing the admissions staff.

Be sure to withdraw your application in writing. Don’t simply call or tell someone in person that you no longer plan to attend. The easiest way to do this is to send a quick email. Even if you have this conversation in-person, be sure to send a follow-up email so you have a record of it. (See email template below for guidance.)

2. Include important details and give reasoning, if possible.

In your email be sure to include your full name and LSAC number. Don’t sign off with a nickname that might not otherwise be listed on your application.

It might also be helpful to the staff to know why it is you’re withdrawing your application or where you ultimately choose to attend. If you’re not comfortable telling a school this information or you’re not yet decided, don’t feel obligated to share. Be professional and courteous, yet honest in your feedback.

3. Be respectful.

Remember that the legal world is always smaller than it seems, so be respectful of the staff when withdrawing your application. Now is not the time to try to negotiate a larger scholarship or get better student housing under the threat of leaving. If the reason you ultimately chose to attend another school is for financial reasons, that’s perfectly fine to tell them that. Just don’t expect it to be used as a tool to bring them to the bargaining table.

4. A template of an email to write to withdraw your application.

To make this process even easier for you, here is a template of a withdrawal email you can send.

Dear Admissions Staff,

After much deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my application to your law school. I appreciate the time and attention given to my application, as well as the generous scholarship offer [or include anything else that may be relevant]. Ultimately, however, I decided to attend “X” law school. It’s closer to home and in a location I’d ultimately like to practice in upon gradation. [Insert your own reasoning, if you can it. You can also let them know that the decision came down to course curriculum, program offerings, job placements in big law/public interest/clerkships, clinic opportunities, or scholarship offerings.]

Please confirm that my application with be withdrawn from consideration. I hope the seat can go to another deserving student.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best,

John Smith

LSAC # 1234567

If you haven’t yet made your decision you can simply state: “While I haven’t yet made a decision, I am most seriously considering schools in the ‘X’ area that provide ‘Y’ offerings.”

Once your decision is made, withdrawing your application should be quick and easy. Don’t let this part of the admissions process cause you any more stress than necessary.

RACHEL MARGIEWICZ, DIRECTOR OF PRE-LAW SERVICES, WROTE THIS POST. RACHEL IS A LICENSED ATTORNEY WITH YEARS OF ADMISSIONS EXPERIENCE ACROSS THREE LAW SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN DIFFERENT MARKETS OF THE COUNTRY. SHE KNOWS WHAT SCHOOLS ARE LOOKING FOR AND HOW TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT.

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Four Tips To Withdraw A Law School Application