Law School Application Army Reserves

[TigerJin]

On these law school applications, they ask "Have you ever been in full time active duty military service?" What are they looking for in this question? I have been an Army Reservist and as such do the weekend a month thing, but the Army never saw to it to put me in, what the Army calls, active duty.

I know, if I saw this question on some government form, I would answer "No." As, I know, for whatever biased, ill informed, reason, the government does not consider a Reservist a "veteran" and they are looking to see what veteran benefits I am entitled to. But what is a law school application looking for? I will be a drilling Reservist while I go through law school, so I feel the need to inform them of that, and so the information will be on my work history form. But, it just feels contradictory, to have the military service section blank, but my military career taking up half my work history page. Not to mention, the slight: Like if a half-white/half-something else person has to tell a government form he is white. It just feels inaccurate and insulting.

How do I answer this question as an Army Reservist?

[Adam Tyson]

Hey Tiger! First off, thanks for your service! I know your pain - I was National Guard during the first Gulf War, active duty for training only, so I've faced similar questions in a variety of contexts.

The answer is actually pretty simple - you answer honestly. You have never been full time active duty, period. Whenever there is any doubt in your mind, err on the side of caution. You do NOT want to be accused of lying on your application, especially when you apply to be admitted to the bar and they are scrutinizing everything you have said and done. I could tell you some scary stories about people being called in front of ethics committees for what they thought were acceptable answers. A wrong answer here could prevent you from ever practicing law.

Feel free to add an addendum, talk about your service in your personal statement, etc. Thinking about JAG? I know I would be, because there is great experience to be had there that will enhance your civilian law career tremendously. If so, tell them that, too.

Why are they asking? I honestly have no idea - it could be that they might have some preference for "veterans" (understanding that they might use that term a little differently than you and I use it), or perhaps they might ask you for your DD-214 or other supplemental info from your service records (looking for evidence that you are or are not fit to practice law, perhaps), or maybe they just want to be able to accurately report demographic info to whoever wants it. If you really want to know why, by all means give them a call! Admissions folks like talking to potential students, and it's a chance to make yourself stand out in their memory if you handle it well. It also gives you a chance to give them info that might not be in your application.

Keep it simple, answer honestly, and provide supplemental information. Call and talk to them. You can't go wrong!

Hu-ahh!

[TigerJin]

You know what? I did call most of the schools I was applying to today (Georgia State, University of Georgia, Emory, University of Pennsylvania and University of Iowa.) They all said that the Army Reserves counts as an answer to this question. They are just checking if you have ever enlisted. One of the reasons that they said (in this case Iowa, when I flat out asked) was because military experience grants you a fee waiver. Iowa also said that the other reason they want to know, is because military members have unique and different experiences as compared to civilians. Reserves and Guard counts they all said. So, for the record, based on my sampling, it looks like they all count the Reserves even when they say "active, full time service" in the question. Surprising. But it also makes perfect sense. I just wish they would phrase it as more "Have you ever served in the military?". Makes things much clearer.

[Adam Tyson]

In that case, I would still add an addendum to explain that you were a Reservist and never on active duty other than for training. The law schools may be interpreting it one way, but bar examiners (some of whom may be prior service) may interpret it another, and that could lead to problems if you haven't documented your position. "They told me to do that" is not going to be easy to defend or prove, especially if the admissions officer that told you that has left the school, or doesn't remember, or was just flat out wrong. If you have it documented in your application ("As I discussed with Ms. Jones in your admissions office, I served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was never on active duty other than for training. Per her guidance I answered "yes" to your question about full time active duty military service, although technically speaking I did not serve on a full time basis other than for training. I am not considered a Veteran for the purpose of any veterans' benefits.") then you are squared away, high speed, low drag, no gigs and good to go.

Either way, you should absolutely highlight your military service, as that will differentiate you from most typical applicants, and standing out (in a good, diverse, interesting way) is what you want to do in your application process.

Good job making the calls and getting the answers! Those folks will remember you when your application graces their desks. Make us proud, troop!