98 mph in a 55. How are my friend's chances affected?

Applying to College
1

<p>First off, when I say friend, I actually mean my friend. This isn't about me, but someone I know.</p>

<p>Ok, so we live in maryland about 5 min from the virginia border. I go to Virginia a lot and so does my friend. He was driving in Virginia on the beltway and was clocked and pulled over by a police officer. He was going 98 in a 55 mph zone and not only charged with speeding but with reckless driving. He went to court in Virginia today where he pleaded guilty. The judge fined him $200 and suspended him from driving in the state of VA for 6 months.</p>

<p>I know you have to report any crimes, misdemeanors, or felonies on your app and then explain the infraction. Obviously it isn't as bad as cheating where his entire academic record could be in jeopardy, but he did break the law and has to pay for it. So how much does this hurt his chances? How much would this decrease anyone's chances? He's not applying to ivies or anything, but good second tier schools. I think USC is his #1, but how much would this hurt him in the application process?</p>

2

<p>lol dude this is one of the funniest things i have ever heard. LOL 98 in 55. HAHAHAHHAHA.</p>

3

<p>It depends on how strong he is academically. His reccs will also need to be v. strong to downplay this.</p>

4

<p>3365, thats not as bad as it sounds lol. come to miami and drive on the palmetto expressway where its 55, youll see 100+ from like 50 percent of the drivers</p>

5

<p>yes but the op's friend's situation is hilarious. 98 in 55. court. now scared for college. and this guy isnt even in college yet. lol</p>

6

<p>The speeding ticket may not affect his changes of getting into college, but it could affect his choice of career. One of my son's friends majored in criminal justice. He also had a few felony speeding tickets. Because of that, he has been denied jobs at several law enforcement agencies.</p>

7

<p>A lot of people don't realize that getting a speeding ticket in Virginia can be much more serious than many other states. It is a class 1 misdemeanor - nothing to joke about. There are some jurisdictions in Virginia where he would have automatically been taken to jail for driving over 90mph - no questions asked. Did he plead guilty of reckless driving? Is it on his record as a class 1 misdemeanor? Did he have a lawyer? If he was found guilty of reckless driving, that record will be with him for life - it may affect jobs, security clearance, etc. For any others getting tickets in Virginia for reckless driving, get a VA lawyer who deals with these things - it will cost you but it may save you from having a criminal record.</p>

8

<p>Anytime there's a conviction (misdemeanor or felony), the adcom will question the applicant's decision making ability. So yes your friend's chances will be hurt, but probably not that adversely.</p>

9

<p>Your friend's propensity to drive at speeds approaching 100 mph could adversely affect your his chances of survival, and the chances of those who have the misfortune to be in his vicinity. </p>

<p>I hope USC and every other college in California rejects him. I don't want to share the road with him.</p>

10

<p>^ i do. i wanna race this fool on the streets.</p>

11

<p>how did it feel? gotta be a total rush.</p>

12

<p>ive hit 102 mph in a 35 mph zone</p>

<p>:P beat that (100% true)</p>

13

<p>ive gone 120 on the way to vegas. oooo</p>

14

<p>I've gone 90 in a 35 and passed a cop... awkward..
Nothing happened though :D</p>

<p>I have an excuse though - I was on the way to school at like 7 in the morning and didn't want to be late, because I'd lose my parking pass. Lol.</p>

15

<p>115 in a 70 is my 'record.'</p>

<p>Other than that one time, I go a max of 5mph over the speed limit off the highway, and 10mph over the speed limit on the highway.</p>

16

<p>Ha, if he does get admitted to So. Cal. I doubt that he will be driving anywhere near 100 mph. 20 mph is more like it on the jammed up LA Freeway system. :)</p>

17

<p>His chances would probably improve at Vanderbilt. They're always looking for good new exciting people.</p>

<p>I once got a pretty hefty ticket on a big road trip back from the Derby but had it wiped.</p>

18

<p>as long as we are talking about our personal bests here...mine is 115 in a 65 haha</p>

19

<p>I hit someone going 3 mph (I was on the phone LOL...took it to court though and the ticket got dropped) and I got another ticket for double the speed limit in a school zone (totally unfair, it was an hour before the school got out and there was not a car or student in sight, zero!) and I got into college...</p>

20

<p>I crashed into people by running in hallways, and nearly got suspended at one point.</p>

<p>I'm afraid for me that's as far as it goes. :p</p>