Whether you are just beginning the law school application process or are now deciding between multiple acceptances, be careful not to jeopardize an enrollment offer.
The Law School Admission Council maintains standards of conduct in the admissions process that both law schools and applicants are expected to follow.
[Get more tips on applying to law school.]
For example, law schools must “respect the confidential nature of information received about applicants,” while applicants should “provide accurate and complete information.”
When an applicant violates these standards, one potential repercussion is that an admissions office could revoke an admission offer.
While this repercussion may seem harsh, bear in mind that as a lawyer, you will be tasked with upholding the rule of law. You need to demonstrate that you can conduct yourself with integrity and adhere to accepted standards of conduct in the field.
Here are two key aspects of the application and admissions process you need to know to guard against potentially losing your admission offer.
Application Misconduct
Application misconduct or irregularity during the submission process includes cheating on the LSAT; falsifying transcripts, letters of recommendation or your resume; and “misleading statements or omissions of information requested … on individual law school application forms.”
The most common threat of misconduct I have encountered as a law school admissions counselor is omission of information. Each cycle I work with several clients who are worried that academic probation, disciplinary citations or criminal histories will hurt their chances of getting admitted to law school.
While you may be tempted to omit certain aspects of your past, it is imperative to disclose such information when requested on the application. Note that some law schools will even ask for an explanation of misconduct that has been expunged from your record.
[Learn how to address academic, criminal mistakes with a law application addendum.]
I once worked with a client who failed to disclose on his applications that he was arrested for assault. Only after he received an acceptance and submitted his seat deposit did he tell me about his pending hearing. I advised that he was obligated to disclose his situation because failing to comply with application requirements could haunt him down the road.
According to the LSAC Rules Governing Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process, “A charge of misconduct or irregularity may be made prior to a candidate’s admission to law school, after matriculation at a law school, or after admission to practice.”
Moreover, state bar associations conduct thorough background checks as part of their character and fitness evaluation and may examine law school admission records. LSAC advises that applicants “keep and maintain complete copies of all law school application records throughout the admissions cycle and your law school career.”
Imagine going through three years of law school, earning your J.D., studying for the bar and passing the test only to be denied the opportunity to practice because you misrepresented yourself on the law school application.
Unfortunately, because my client omitted his assault charge from his application, his offer of admission was revoked. Although he was entitled to a partial refund of his admissions deposit, he was obviously devastated. I only wish he had sought my counsel before he submitted his applications so we could have addressed the incident properly.
Multiple Seat Deposits
With seat deposits looming, law schools are busy notifying applicants of enrollment decisions. LSAC rules stipulate that law schools are not allowed to require an enrollment commitment prior to April 1, except for early decision applicants or spring or summer term admits.
After April 1, law schools vary on their seat deposit deadlines. One school may have a deadline at the beginning of April and another at the end of the month or even as late as the summer. Deciding where to commit can be challenging if you are still waiting for a final decision from schools regarding admissions and financial aid packages.
One way to buy yourself more time is to submit multiple seat deposits. The big caveat is that starting May 15 LSAC will start notifying schools of an applicant’s other enrollment commitments.
[Evaluate the risks, benefits of multiple law school seat deposits.]
LSAC’s website explains that applicants must “be aware that a law school is not required to maintain an offer of admission if it discovers that the applicant has accepted an offer at another institution.”
This policy is not exclusive to multi-seat commitment situations. Rather, it helps law schools keep track of their incoming class and make adjustments when applicants have indicated they plan to enroll elsewhere and failed to notify schools that they are rejecting the enrollment offer.
While LSAC does not prohibit multiple seat deposits, individual schools are permitted to revoke enrollment offers under this policy if you have made multiple seat deposits.
That is why the LSAC Statement of Good Admissions And Financial Aid Practices requires that member law schools clearly state their admission policies for admitted students, “including any possible consequences that may result from holding multiple commitments simultaneously.” Such consequences may include revoking an admissions offer.
Ultimately, read directions carefully. As an aspiring lawyer, you need to get comfortable understanding the fine print and following the rules. When in doubt, ask for clarification.
Have questions about navigating law school application requirements? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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Reasons Law Schools Can Revoke Admission Offers originally appeared on usnews.com
