Lesson Nine: Character and Fitness Questions
Character & Fitness Questions: Be Honest
In the previous section, we outlined how the Addendum gives you the chance to address any academic shortcomings, gaps in employment, or other notable deficiencies. While that is typically an optional section of the application, Character & Fitness questions are not. In this page, we will briefly outline how to approach these questions to present yourself as best as possible.
Simple Questions, Simple Honesty
These questions will ask you a few background questions about if you’ve ever faced any academic or legal issues, as well as a few other topics. Typically, they reflect the questions for the Bar Exam in the state you will study in, but they are also used to evaluate your standing for law school and ability to practice law. Harvard, for example, asks:
1. At any educational institution, have you ever been found responsible for behavioral misconduct that resulted in anything more than a verbal reprimand or are any such charges pending?
2. At any educational institution, have you ever been found responsible for academic misconduct or are any such charges pending?
3. In a professional setting, have you been subject to disciplinary sanctions, or are any charges pending?
4. Have you ever been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, any felony or misdemeanor, other than:
· an arrest or other detention that did not result in a conviction, or in which a conviction was vacated;
· a first conviction for any of the following misdemeanors: drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, affray or disturbance of the peace; or
· any misdemeanor conviction that occurred more than five years before your application for admission, unless you were also sentenced to imprisonment, or were convicted of any additional offense within the five year period? (Note that you are not required to answer “yes” to this question, or provide an explanation, if the criminal adjudication or conviction has been expunged, sealed, annulled, pardoned, destroyed, erased, impounded, or otherwise ordered by a court to be kept confidential.)
5. Are you currently deferring enrollment at a law school that requires a commitment not to apply elsewhere?
6. Have you ever attended a law school?
7. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please explain here. [in the text box below]. (maximum characters 500)
If the answers to these questions are “No,” then this will be the easiest section of your application. If, however, you answer “Yes” to anything here, you need to make sure you take a similar approach as you did with the Addendum.
Before You Answer…
· Read the Exact Question: Not all schools ask the same questions! Some will want to know about speeding tickets, while others will only want more serious charges. Some will say you do not have to include expunged information, and some will ask even if the information was expunged. Make sure you read carefully, as these will both show your reading comprehension and background.
· Remember to Be Honest: Schools will verify and follow-up on what you have said. Tell the truth—not only is it ethical, but it is also necessary!
· Do Not Sweat the Small Stuff: While you should always answer all the questions in full, keep in mind that for probably over 95 percent of “Yes” answers, your application will not get denied because of your response. The act of answering is usually more important than the answer itself.
When You Answer…
· Be Honest: We said it once, but we need to say it again because it is that important. If you have to explain a “Yes” answer, there is a good chance there will be some embarrassing information you may feel like fudging or, at the very least, rationalizing. Do not do that—just lay out the facts as they are.
· Take Ownership: Nothing will turn off an admissions committee faster than someone who blames others, the situation, their upbringing, or anything other than themselves for the situation at hand.
· Show Growth: Explain what you learned and how you will make sure not to repeat the mistakes and be better for it.
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“If you’re not taking ownership now with this minor thing in life, what are you going to do later in life? -Nathan Neely, Former Associate Director of Admissions at University of Houston Law
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Where we see the most mistakes, however, is with not being honest. Remember, often, it is the lie that gets people in trouble more than the initial mistake. Don’t let that be the case with your Character & Fitness questions.
These cover what you are likely to see on the vast majority of your applications. However, you will still come across one other type of essay from time to time—the “why program” essay.
