Law school application mistakes

Previously, I discussed my decision to apply to law school. Most law schools use a similar application (at least the ones I applied to) and LSAC automatically fills in many of the fields based on forms you previously completed.  Recently, one of the law schools contacted me to let me know that one of my answers contradicted information contained in my academic records. This brought to my attention a question that I had misread on every application and set into motion an attempt to clean up a possibly costly mistake.

The contradiction was easily explained, but left unexplained made me look not only dishonest, but also not qualified for law school. I decided to write letters to every law school to which I applied, explain my situation and explain the contradiction. I sent each letter via certified mail, return receipt requested, which came in handy when one of my letters got misplaced at a campus post office. Luckily, the USPS was able to track down the letter via the tracking number and get the letter to the proper location.

I would imagine that mistakes on law school applications are common. Do not let the fact that you made a mistake on your application stop you from getting accepted. The minute you realize a mistake has been made, write a letter explaining the reason for the mistake and supplementing any applicable information. If you discover the mistake after receiving a rejection letter, write the supplemental letter and then draft a letter requesting that the law school reconsider your application based on the supplemental information you provided.

Remember, be honest, explain yourself thoroughly, show that the information you are supplementing actually makes you a more attractive applicant and most importantly, send your letter certified so that you have an official record of the letter.