The character and fitness section on Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School’s J.D. application also asks about your financial history. It’s a straightforward question, but it covers more ground than applicants sometimes expect.
The Question
Have you ever been delinquent or in default of any financial obligations, including student loans?
What This Covers
This question applies to any financial obligation you’ve held, not just student loans. Delinquency or default on a loan, a credit account, or another financial agreement falls under this question. If you’re unsure whether a past situation counts as delinquency or default, check with the lender or review your account history rather than guessing.
Keep Your Records
If you answer yes to this question, be ready to document the obligation, the default or delinquency, and how the matter was resolved. Account statements, correspondence with the lender, and records of repayment or settlement are all useful here. Gather these now, while they’re easier to find, rather than waiting until later in the process.
This Isn’t the Last Time You’ll Answer This Question
The bar fitness application asks this same question when you apply to sit for the bar exam. Save every document related to any financial obligation you disclose. You’ll need that documentation again, and having it ready the second time will save you real time and effort.