Character and Fitness Disclosure

In a recent episode of LSAT Demon Daily, Hersh, a prospective law student, asked about the impact of a misdemeanor reckless driving charge on his law school applications. 

While a minor incident from a decade ago is unlikely to derail an application, Ben and Nathan explained that addressing it properly can make a significant difference.

Addressing a Misdemeanor on Your Record

Hersh disclosed that he had a misdemeanor charge for reckless driving from ten years ago, and wanted to know whether he should prioritize getting it expunged before applying. If you’re faced with a similar issue, your course of action depends on the situation. 

If the charge can be expunged, it’s worth doing so. Some schools don’t require disclosure of expunged records, depending on how they word their character and fitness questions. But even if you’re able to get the charge expunged, some law schools may still require you to disclose the charge. You should answer all questions truthfully and take responsibility for the incident.

The key is to act early. Addressing the issue now shows maturity and will give you peace of mind when you’re applying to schools. While a minor charge from a decade ago is unlikely to derail Hersh’s application, taking responsibility and proactively resolving the issue will reflect positively on his character—an essential quality for lawyers.

GPA and LSAT Scores Matter

Hersh also asked whether his 3.35 GPA from Brown University combined with a strong LSAT score could make him competitive for the T14 law schools. 

T14 law schools typically have LSAT medians around 170. If you have a GPA that’s below the median, like Hersh’s, scoring a 174 or higher can put you in a strong position. Law schools may view you as a “splitter”—a candidate with a high LSAT but a lower GPA—and weigh the benefits of raising their median LSAT score against the lower GPA. For candidates like Hersh, this can still lead to offers, especially if other parts of the application are strong.  Ben recommends checking out the Scholarship Estimator to determine which schools will offer money to Hersh based on his GPA and LSAT scores. 

Should You Delay Your Application?

Hersh, at 31, wondered whether delaying his application to focus on his LSAT score and expungement would be worth it. Ben and Nathan explain that waiting an extra year could be the right move based on his situation, for a few reasons. 

First, Hersh believes he can score a 170 or higher, but until he does, his application won’t be as competitive as it could be. Law schools admit on a rolling basis, so if Hersh applies early with a high LSAT, he’ll have a strategic advantage. Additionally, waiting would give Hersh time to focus solely on the LSAT and submit stronger materials, without the overwhelm of balancing his LSAT preparation with application deadlines.

Hersh worried about his age, but starting law school a year older won’t significantly impact his career. Prioritizing a strong application now so he can receive better financial aid offers is key.

Final Advice for Applicants

For prospective law students like Hersh, having a low GPA doesn’t close the door to top law schools. Provided you have a strong LSAT score and solid work experience, and you address any character and fitness issues transparently, you can still be a competitive applicant. Waiting an extra year to strengthen your application can give you access to better opportunities and improve your chances of admission to a top law school.