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Debt collection hurt Declaration of Intent to Study Law in TX?

I have a debt from my old apartment complex, who charged $1000 for cleaning after moving out and sent to collection agency even no-response to my request to see receipts of the expenses.

I wonder if I should settle my debt with the collection agency and ask them to take this off my credit report and say "no" to question Do you have any other debts that are ninety (90) days or more past due (including tax debts owed pursuant to federal or other law)?" - but it seems even debt not on the credit report still needs to be explained.

Or should I just go ahead to explain the debt? How critical is this? Should I call the board?

You may not be able to get loans with that on your record. Why have you just been letting it sit there? Either pay it or fight it, don't just ignore it and pretend it's not hurting your credit score and doesn't matter.

Yeah, I just paid it and my credit report will get cleaned in 30 to 90 days. Just wonder how I should explain it and whether it would affect my taking the bar.

It's mostly about honesty. Just explain it on the continuation form and tell how you're making steps to resolve it.

Just explain what happened. It's not fraud-related, or an inability to handle money that indicates you'd be a risk with client funds, which is what they are looking for. Just be honest and you'll be fine.