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deezel1515
Underclassman

6 Posts

Posted - 11/12/2004 :  23:22:10  Show Profile  Send deezel1515 an AOL message  Reply with Quote
I was once expelled from college for academic reasons (for being on academic probation two consecutive semesters) I switched to another school, switched majors and graduated with high honors. Regardless, I have heard from several people that for one reason or another, anyone who has been expelled from college (even for academic reasons) will not get into law school period. Its better to have an arrest record than being expelled. What do you guys think?

Fichte
Underclassman

USA
3 Posts

Posted - 11/15/2004 :  19:50:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I would say - and this is *my* humble opinion - that being expelled for being on academic probation for two consecutive semesters and then graduating with honors will not hurt you to the point of precluding you from entrance into law school. It sounds as if the school which you first attended and was subsequently expelled from has a very firm academic policy vis-a-vis academic probation. That you were able to transfer and graduate with honors seems to me to be a very admirable accomplishment (assuming you didn't switch to a basket-weaving major, etc.). I would explain your situation in an addenda essay and really focus on the fact that you turned your experience around. In essence, no, I do not believe that you will be denied from all law schools...
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Omar76
Underclassman

USA
1 Posts

Posted - 02/02/2005 :  12:41:25  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I was suspended from undergrad twice and placed on acedemic probation twice until I got my act together. I ended up with a 3.6 GPA and in my major...scored a 155 on my lsat and now have offers from suffolk law, Valpariso law, Southern Illinois University Law and am waiting for more answers. Don't be discouraged you'll get in if you really work at it and want it.
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medlawfreak
Underclassman

1 Posts

Posted - 08/21/2005 :  14:42:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I'm in a similar situation, only I graduated from college a year early. My degree is being withheld for a semester, but I graduated with honors. The only difference with my case is that I was wrongly accused and then found guilty of academic dishonesty. The case was ridiculous and I had been receiving As in the course otherwise. What's worse was that I also had 2 classes with that professor's husband! I understand that I should write an addendum to my personal statement, but I can't exactly say anything about how I've "learned from this experience" because, if anything, I'm bitter to the unfair judicial system at my college. I don't think any admissions board wants to hear me rant about how I've been wronged, right? I used to be premed and then, after I "graduated," I decided to go the prelaw route because I think this experience has really sparked my interest in law. Anyone have any thoughts as to how I should approach my personal statement? Thanks.
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jplawschoolquest
Underclassman

1 Posts

Posted - 08/23/2005 :  19:01:00  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I am in a similar situation where in undergrad I was on academic probation for a couple semesters(through never expelled) however graduated with an improved GPA from the same school. My main problem is how to write the answer to the question. Should I just explain the situation that occured and the outside factors that were involved? It would be helpful if there were examples of what people in the past have written.
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miz_kriis
Underclassman

6 Posts

Posted - 09/01/2008 :  15:11:31  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by medlawfreak

I'm in a similar situation, only I graduated from college a year early. My degree is being withheld for a semester, but I graduated with honors. The only difference with my case is that I was wrongly accused and then found guilty of academic dishonesty. The case was ridiculous and I had been receiving As in the course otherwise. What's worse was that I also had 2 classes with that professor's husband! I understand that I should write an addendum to my personal statement, but I can't exactly say anything about how I've "learned from this experience" because, if anything, I'm bitter to the unfair judicial system at my college. I don't think any admissions board wants to hear me rant about how I've been wronged, right? I used to be premed and then, after I "graduated," I decided to go the prelaw route because I think this experience has really sparked my interest in law. Anyone have any thoughts as to how I should approach my personal statement? Thanks.



I was wondering what you ended up doing in your situation?
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Lhines02
Underclassman

USA
1 Posts

Posted - 11/17/2008 :  12:32:31  Show Profile  Send Lhines02 a Yahoo! Message  Reply with Quote
I am currently a student with a double major of political science/and paralegal studies. I plan on proceeding to law school as it has always been a passion of mine. My academic status is very respected, but my worry is passing the character/fitness examination. I understand that this is a vital part in the practice of law, but I have been convicted of misdemeanor theft and felony forgery and deceptive practices when I was an addict. I have completely turned my life around and dedicated every waking moment on becoming a better person who could contribute to society. What must be done to better improve my chances of becoming an attorney, and is it likely to become a reality before I spend the time and money in even applying. Thank you for any guidance....LHINES02
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mod
Moderator

USA
711 Posts

Posted - 11/18/2008 :  13:52:27  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lhines02

I am currently a student with a double major of political science/and paralegal studies. I plan on proceeding to law school as it has always been a passion of mine. My academic status is very respected, but my worry is passing the character/fitness examination. I understand that this is a vital part in the practice of law, but I have been convicted of misdemeanor theft and felony forgery and deceptive practices when I was an addict. I have completely turned my life around and dedicated every waking moment on becoming a better person who could contribute to society. What must be done to better improve my chances of becoming an attorney, and is it likely to become a reality before I spend the time and money in even applying. Thank you for any guidance....LHINES02



Hi Lhines02 and welcome to Admissions Boards!

Although I am not an expert, I think that the issues that you have revealed regarding your past would be addressed best in a well written addendum. If you are able to show that you have in fact been able to turn your life around and that this is your passion then I believe you will have a better chance at admission.

Best of luck!
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