You’ve Been Rejected — Now What?
Most law school applicants spend countless hours studying for the LSAT, working to receive competitive grades, engaging in extra curriculars, and completing polished law school applications. Most applicants also pay a hefty price for LSAT books, courses, and/or tutoring session (not to mention the cost of the LSAT itself). Because of the tremendous investment required to apply to law school, it makes sense for a letter of rejection to feel a bit like a slap in the face.
When I applied to law school in 2020, I received a number of rejections before receiving an acceptance to Windsor Law. I found the rejections extremely difficult to deal with. I remember how reading the words “we are sorry to inform you…” sounded a lot like “you’re just not good enough”. It seriously damaged my self esteem.
There are two things I want to make clear in this blog: first, there are a number of benefits to being rejected and applying again later; and second, that your worth is not correlated with a law school rejection or acceptance.
I first want to highlight a few benefits to being rejected from law school. First, rejection is a humbling life hurdle and can give you something to talk about in job interviews. Many law students performed very well academically in undergrad. Many also had interesting jobs and volunteer opportunities. I have found that this can give many law students a somewhat inflated sense of self-esteem. Use your rejection as a healthy reminder that good things take time and perseverance — it will make your future acceptance even sweeter. Additionally, discussing your story of rejection and unwavering persistence can distinguish you in a job interview. It is essential to remember that you can always advantageously frame your circumstances in interviews, so be sure to characterize your rejection as a learning experience.
Second, a rejection allows you to take extra courses, travel, work, and/or save money for at least another year. Law school requires dedication and some serious financing. Taking a year to save money, travel, and do things you enjoy can be tremendously beneficial. If there was ever a job/volunteer opportunity you wanted to pursue, this is your chance! Once you get into law school, it can feel like the only professional opportunities you will have for the rest of your life will be law-related. Regardless of how inaccurate this is in reality, it is certainly the way most law students feel.
Lastly, a rejection gives you the chance to improve your law school applications. This can give you a stronger chance of getting into a school that is a better fit for you, rather than simply going to a school because it was the only one that accepted you. Taking time to revamp your personal statements, boost your GPA, or retake the LSAT will only help you in this regard.
I also want to discuss why it is important to remember that a rejection does not define you. I received my acceptance to Windsor on June 9th — it was late in the cycle, and I had already been rejected at four other schools. On June 8th, my confidence and self-worth were at an all-time low. I told myself that I wasn’t smart enough to get into law school and that I’d never get anywhere in life (I was a little dramatic, lol, but that’s how I felt). On June 9th, my mindset did a complete 180-degree shift. I was confident in myself and my academic abilities, and I felt that sense of prestige that comes with being a law student.
But upon reflection, I realized that I was the exact same person on June 9th that I was on June 8th. All that had changed was a piece of paper that told me I was “good enough.” I have since realized that it is dangerous to base your self-worth on a letter of acceptance or rejection — you are far more than that.
To close, here is a Cool Runnings inspired meme that I think is relevant (and hopefully it’ll put a smile on your face):
