7 FAQs about Binding Admissions Programs

1. What are binding admissions programs?

Binding admissions programs are early application opportunities where your acceptance of admission is binding, meaning you commit to enrolling at a particular institution and withdraw all other applications. 

2. What types of binding programs are offered?

There are several types of binding programs offered and the terms will vary depending on the school. At Maryland Carey Law, we offer two binding programs. Our Carey Law Scholars binding program offers significant scholarship opportunities and expedited decision for successful applicants. Our Early Decision program offers an expedited decision, but applicants are not eligible for merit scholarships.

3. What are the advantages of applying to a binding program?

Your application will be more attractive to the admissions team if you apply to a binding program because they know you are very excited about enrolling there and will do so if you are admitted. This is advantageous in the review process, particularly if you do not feel as though you have a strong application numerically. Many schools are eager to lock up commitments early in the application cycle.

 4. What are the disadvantages of applying to a binding program?

If you are admitted through a binding program, you are committed to that program regardless of the financial aid package. It is very important to read the terms of a binding program to make sure you are comfortable with the terms. If you are not guaranteed a scholarship, you need to be sure that you are prepared to attend that school for full price.

 5. Can you apply to multiple binding programs?

No, when you are admitted to a binding program you must attend that program. Therefore, applying to multiple programs at the same time is not possible. If you are admitted to multiple binding programs, but then withdraw from some of them, you will be in violation of their binding agreements.

6. What happens if you change your mind?

Most schools will allow you to withdraw an application prior to receiving a decision. If you receive an offer of admission through a binding program and then withdraw, you will likely be in violation of that program’s binding agreement and the school may report the incident to the LSAC Committee on Misconduct and Irregularities. The committee would evaluate the incident and may inform all schools to which you applied of the violation. Individual schools can then take further action based on this knowledge of your conduct.

7. Do Binding Programs Really Make a Difference in the Review Process?

Yes! Every year many applicants are accepted via a binding program who would not normally be accepted through regular admission. Through our Carey Law Scholars Program, many students also receive more scholarship funding than they would have received had they applied through regular admission. Be sure about your decision, but if you are, you may be rewarded!

For more tips and advice, join us on one of our upcoming webinars.