Binding Early Decision Program Forum

[90LawSchool]

I am planning on applying to law schools for the Fall of 2012. As I was looking at George Washington Law School's admissions information, I saw that they had a "binding" early decision program. Since this is a "binding" decision, if I was accepted, would I be bound to attend GW? The website says that I would have to pay the deposit (if I had applied for Fall 2011) by January 31st. I guess this is what confuses me - would I be able to apply for GW, get admitted, then decline by January 31st?

My second question: the second part of the agreement says that within 5 business days of admission to GW, the applicant must withdraw all other pending applications. Does admission in this case mean acceptance into GW or does this mean when I pay the deposit?

Would my chances of admission be lower if I applied for the Binding Early Decision program? I have a 173 LSAT/4.0 GPA ... what would be my chances of getting admitted via the binding early decision?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[qed2011]

Do not apply ED to GW! Your numbers are way, way, too good, and the program is indeed binding--you will have to attend if accepted. You should be shooting for T6.

[90LawSchool]

Thanks! I was worried about how "binding" the "Binding" early decision process was. While I am planning on applying to all the T14, due to my financial situation, the full ride that is guaranteed for GW early admits is very tempting!

[blurbz]

It is 100% binding. If you apply and get in (which you likely would) and then try to go somewhere else, GW will call the other school and that school will then rescind your acceptance and you won't be going to law school. If you get in and don't want to go, you can take another year off or something, but that seems pretty pointless.

[TTH]

It is 100% binding. If you apply and get in (which you likely would) and then try to go somewhere else, GW will call the other school and that school will then rescind your acceptance and you won't be going to law school. If you get in and don't want to go, you can take another year off or something, but that seems pretty pointless.

TITCR.

If you just want to get some early decisions back, I think both Cornell and Duke have non-binding early action.

[hokie]

Definitely do not do any binding early decisions; scatter the T14 including HYS and you will get $$$ from many schools.

[kalvano]

The only thing I will say about this is that the GW ED program is awesome - full ride + a living stipend (I think).

So while the OP's numbers are impressive, and all but guarantee money at most of the T14, the GWU ED program is not like other ED programs and might merit consideration, depending on how debt-averse the OP is.

[TTH]

The only thing I will say about this is that the GW ED program is awesome - full ride + a living stipend (I think).

So while the OP's numbers are impressive, and all but guarantee money at most of the T14, the GWU ED program is not like other ED programs and might merit consideration, depending on how debt-averse the OP is.

I forgot about that. I'd imagine OP could pull a full-ride from a T14, but if he or she was happy going to GWU and wants to wrap the cycle up early, it's not a bad idea.

[kalvano]

The only thing I will say about this is that the GW ED program is awesome - full ride + a living stipend (I think).

So while the OP's numbers are impressive, and all but guarantee money at most of the T14, the GWU ED program is not like other ED programs and might merit consideration, depending on how debt-averse the OP is.

I forgot about that. I'd imagine OP could pull a full-ride from a T14, but if he or she was happy going to GWU and wants to wrap the cycle up early, it's not a bad idea.

That was my thought. Those numbers would almost certainly guarantee an acceptance by GWU for ED, and while it's possible OP may get a full ride at lower T14, it's just something to consider. GWU is a pretty damn good school, and there is a lot to be said for going for free.

Of course, I'd imagine with those numbers, at least of HYS will bite, so it's all in what the OP wants to do and is willing to give up.

[90LawSchool]

Thanks! I definitely do value graduating with as low of debt as possible over a "big name" law school. However, GW is not my first choice (at this point) so I would think long and hard whether I would want to go to GW before I applied for a binding early admission.

From what I saw, GW still gives full tuition scholarships for regular admission applicants. Is that correct? I would assume that the chances of getting full tuition is significantly lower for a regular admission applicant - would that be correct?

[blurbz]

Thanks! I definitely do value graduating with as low of debt as possible over a "big name" law school. However, GW is not my first choice (at this point) so I would think long and hard whether I would want to go to GW before I applied for a binding early admission.

From what I saw, GW still gives full tuition scholarships for regular admission applicants. Is that correct? I would assume that the chances of getting full tuition is significantly lower for a regular admission applicant - would that be correct?

I don't think it'd be significantly lower. I think, though, that you might miss out on the living stipend if you apply regular decision. Again, cost benefit analysis: I'd give up the living stipend for a chance at significant money at a higher ranked school, but I'd understand if that analysis comes up differently for different people.

[youarereadingthis]

You should be shooting for HYSCCN... pretty much exclusively.