Landing on the University of San Diego School of Law waitlist with a 3.51 GPA and 161 LSAT puts you in what admissions counselors call “the consideration zone.” You’re not out of the race, but you’re also not guaranteed a seat. Let me tell you what this actually means and what former waitlisted students wish they’d known earlier.
Where You Stand With These Numbers
USD Law’s median LSAT hovers around 162-163, with a median GPA near 3.67 for recent entering classes. Your 161 LSAT sits just below their median, while your 3.51 GPA falls about 0.16 points short. This isn’t catastrophic—you’re within striking distance. USD typically waitlists candidates who demonstrate potential but whose numbers don’t quite align with their target class profile.
Sarah Martinez, who got off USD’s waitlist in 2023, recalls: “I had almost identical stats—3.49 GPA and 161 LSAT. What got me in wasn’t my numbers improving, but showing them I was genuinely invested in their program specifically.”
The Reality of Waitlist Movement
Here’s something admissions offices won’t advertise: USD’s waitlist movement varies dramatically year to year. In strong applicant years, they might pull five students. In weaker cycles, that number climbs to twenty or thirty. According to the American Bar Association’s data, USD typically enrolls between 8-15% of waitlisted candidates, though this fluctuates based on yield predictions that went wrong.
The timing matters too. Most movement happens between May and July as accepted students commit elsewhere. A second, smaller wave can occur in August when people get cold feet or receive last-minute acceptances from other schools.
What Actually Works (And What Doesn’t)
Michael Chen, an admissions consultant who previously worked at a California law school, shared this insider perspective: “Generic letters of continued interest don’t move the needle. What works is demonstrating you’ve grown since application and showing specific knowledge about why USD’s programs match your goals.”
Skip the weekly email updates—they’re annoying. Instead, send one substantive letter of continued interest about three weeks after being waitlisted. Include concrete developments: improved addendum explanations, new work experience, additional letters of recommendation from people connected to USD’s faculty or alumni network, or enrollment in relevant coursework.
One successful approach: Jessica Wong, who converted her 3.52 GPA and 160 LSAT waitlist spot into acceptance, took a paralegal position at a San Diego firm whose partners had USD connections. Her updated letter mentioned specific USD clinics she’d participate in and included a supplementary recommendation from her supervisor, a USD alum.
Your Backup Plan Matters
While focusing on USD, protect yourself. If you’ve been accepted elsewhere, understand deposit deadlines. Most schools require a first deposit in April and a second in June. The strategic move: place your deposit at your next-best option while remaining on USD’s waitlist. Yes, you’ll forfeit that deposit if USD comes through, but it preserves your law school plans.
Consider whether retaking the LSAT makes sense. A 165+ score with your 3.51 GPA would likely convert to acceptance if you reapplied next cycle. That’s a painful delay, but graduating with less debt from a school where your numbers exceed medians offers long-term advantages.
FAQs About USD Law Waitlist With 3.51 GPA 161 LSAT
Should I visit campus while waitlisted? Only if you can do so without seeming desperate. A casual visit where you sit in on a class and chat with current students can provide genuine material for your continued interest letter.
Can I negotiate scholarship money from the waitlist? Extremely unlikely. Waitlist admits typically receive minimal to no scholarship funding in the initial offer, though you can inquire about second-year merit opportunities.
Is my application still being evaluated? Not actively. You’re in a holding pattern until they need to fill seats. Your continued interest letter is your only chance to add new information to your file.
How long should I wait before moving on? Most schools encourage deposit decisions by August. If you haven’t heard by mid-July, the odds diminish significantly.
The usd law waitlist 3.51 gpa 161 lsat combination puts you on the bubble, but bubbles don’t burst uniformly. Some years they deflate quietly; other years they pop with opportunity. Your job now is positioning yourself as the obvious choice when USD needs to make that call.