Dean's Certification

Most law schools will require the applicant to provide information about prior disciplinary or academic history, whether or not a Dean’s Certification is required. It is advised that you answer such questions truthfully and disclose information pertaining to your records. Failure to disclose this information can result in severe consequences in the admissions process and later in the bar admission process. If any academic or disciplinary action is taken against you after submitting your applications, you must update the schools to which you have applied to.

Dean's Certification forms are required by a small number of law schools. Many schools also require a Dean's Letter or Certification for transfer law school applicants. Certifications are required either before, or after you have been accepted by the law school. Read the application carefully for the school's policy or call the school's admission's office if you need clarification.

Completing Certifications at Tufts

1. If you will be applying to or transferring to any of the schools listed below, you must fill out an Authorization to Release Education Records to a Third Party
2. Print, complete and sign the law school’s form.
3. Return both completed forms to: Dean of Student Affairs Office, Dowling Hall, Room 701, Medford, MA 02155, Fax: 617-627-3059
4. You will be contacted by either phone or e-mail in order to notify you if a violation has been found on your record. 
   Direct any questions regarding the status of your forms to deanofstudentaffairs@ase.tufts.edu
5. Allow a processing time of at least a week before the law school’s application deadline for admissions.
6. The forms will be sent directly to each law school.
7. Direct any questions regarding the status of your forms to deanofstudentaffairs@ase.tufts.edu. 

Schools Requiring Dean’s certification for all First Year JD applicants

• Brigham Young University
• Howard University
• University of Richmond (admission decision can be made prior to receipt of dean’s certification)
• University of Washington
• Yale University

Schools Requiring Dean's certification/ letter for First Year JD applicants who answer "Yes" to academic/disciplinary action questions on the law school application

• Brooklyn Law School
• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Duke University
• University of Florida
• New York University

Schools Requiring Dean's certification for accepted First Year JD applicants who send a seat deposit

• Boston University
• Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
• Columbia (see also above)
• Cornell University (see also above)
• Georgetown University
• Harvard University
• New York University (see also above)
• University of Pennsylvania
• Stanford University (Admitted Students)
• Stetson University
• Suffolk University
• University of Richmond (see also above)
• Wake Forest