Is Academic Probation a Deal Breaker? Forum

[testmachine45]

I was on academic probation a lot during school, but was never suspended because of the extenuating circumstances surrounding what was going on. Is having academic probation, with no real grade increase trend, a deal breaker?

Thanks.

[ResolutePear]

I was on academic probation a lot during school, but was never suspended because of the extenuating circumstances surrounding what was going on. Is having academic probation, with no real grade increase trend, a deal breaker?

Thanks.

So... what you're really asking is, can you get into law school with a GPA of, or less than 2.0?

[testmachine45]

No, it is higher than that. I am wondering if I should tell them about the academic probation because it is not listed on my transcript as ever happening. However, presumably the Dean, who fills out the Dean Certificate, will have access to my unofficial transcript where it is listed. Thus, my statements and her statements might be in conflict. Still, there is no way for me to know when I was on probation exactly.

[rayiner]

LOL no.

[testmachine45]

LOL no?

[ResolutePear]

GPA and LSAT. Everything else takes a back seat - soooo I'd say:

It depends.

[trudat15]

It's probably not a big deal as long as you left the school in good standing
The only penalty I can think of is that you were on probation for a reason, which means your GPA is likely low.

[Chris_cpb]

If you did something you regret like getting arrested on campus for a relatively minor offense or having a case of freshman year goof-ups it probably won't really matter as long as you have appropriate numbers, etc. You haven't really told us enough in order to provide a solid answer to your question though. Was your academic probation based on academia?

[testmachine45]

Yes, based on academia.

[GoBroncos22!]

I certainly hope not. I was on probation for a few semesters, but have obviously since been removed. It was because my GPA was below a 2.0 at the time, but now its around a 3.0. I dont think its going to be a deal breaker, but as long as we have an upward trend from then I think it will be OK.

[haydee]

We would need more information to answer this accurately/thoroughly.

Off the cuff, I would say academic probation isn't going to Hindenburg your prospects. Again, that depends on what your overall numbers are and where you plan to apply.

I am wondering if I should tell them about the academic probation because it is not listed on my transcript as ever happening.

YES OF COURSE YOU SHOULD TELL THEM.

Every application I have filled out specifically asks for this information. In the end, lying on your law school app could be a much more catastrophic "deal breaker" than some academic missteps.