Syracuse University College of Law Waiting List FAQs

The waiting list is an intermediate decision that indicates that we are not yet in a position to make a final admit or deny decision on your application. Being offered a place on Syracuse’s waiting list is a positive indication that we believe that you possess the ability to be successful at Syracuse Law and that there is a realistic opportunity for an offer of admission.

It varies. The number of waitlisted applicants changes frequently as individuals are added to the list, withdraw from further consideration, and are admitted or denied. The College of Law is committed to maintaining a waiting list of reasonable length and making final decisions as quickly as is feasible.

The waiting list is not ranked. Therefore it is not possible to state your relative placement on the list.

Like many law schools, Syracuse uses the waiting list to fill gaps that develop in the entering class. As admitted applicants finalize their law school plans, some will pay deposits to confirm their place at Syracuse. Others will decline their offer of admission and enroll elsewhere. When replacing these individuals, we often look for waitlisted applicants with similar applications.

Decisions are communicated on an ongoing basis throughout the spring and summer. A very limited number of applicants may remain on the waiting list until the start of Orientation in August. We understand that you need to finalize your law school plans and will make every effort to render a final decision as quickly as possible.

You should feel free to communicate any significant changes in your application to the Office of Admissions. Please note that additional letters of recommendation or relatively minor updates to your academic or employment history are unlikely to impact our decision. In addition, please fill out your waitlist questionnaire as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

The most helpful thing you can do is to honestly communicate your intentions with regard to enrolling at Syracuse Law. If we’re your top choice, tell us. If you’re really not interested, tell us that too. Finding the right fit in your choice of law school is an important decision and we understand if you need to devote your attention to finalizing your decision elsewhere.

Prospective students are always welcome to visit and talk with us. Please schedule an appointment to speak with an admissions counselor. 

All admitted applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships. Being admitted from the waiting list does not preclude applicants from this consideration. That said, Syracuse has a limited financial aid budget and eligibility thresholds may change as the class nears capacity.

We may contact you via phone, email or letter. You should ensure that we have updated contact information throughout the spring and summer.

It varies. Applicants who are admitted earlier in the process may be given several weeks to decide. Later in the summer, the decision timeframe necessarily shortens. Applicants admitted close to the start of Orientation may be asked to decide within 24-48 hours.

Please feel welcome to call or email the Office of Admissions at 315.443.1962 or lawadmissions@syr.edu . We will respond within one business day.