Admission to grad school with criminal record.

Graduate School
1

<p>I originally posted this under the wrong forum:</p>

<p>I've been losing what little sleep I'm allowed over whether or not I have any chance of getting in to grad school with a criminal record.</p>

<p>I'm not sure the circumstances matter when admissions is considered but I'll give a brief account anyway.</p>

<p>A few years go, I was prescribed high doses of corticosteroids for an autoimmune disorder. I had a series of adverse reaction to the medication and ultimately went into what's called steroid psychosis. My roommate called 911 when it was obvious I needed medical attention but for whatever reason, perhaps due to the phrasing of the situation, the call was treated as a potential overdose. In these situations, police respond before the paramedics to insure the safety of the responding parties (makes sense). Unfortunately, the officers didn't handle the situation well and attempted to restrain me when I kept pacing around (again, I was in psychosis). I have almost no memory of the situation but apparently I struggled and was subsequently charged with assaulting an officer, possession of controlled substances, and resisting arrest.</p>

<p>Ultimately, the assault and possession chargers were dropped in light of my medical condition but I was scared into taking a plea bargain for resisting arrest (something I regret).</p>

<p>I believe my academic credentials are adequate for admissions into grad school but I'm terrified that the resisting arrest conviction will significantly reduce my chances.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice on how to handle my application or thoughts on my overall chance or acceptance?</p>

2

<p>Have you consulted a lawyer about what and if anything can be done?</p>

3

<p>Your first post, in the Graduate school forum is in the right places, since this pertains to grad school admissions.</p>

4

<p>My public defender did little more than scare me into taking a plea bargain. I plead no contest but it’s essentially the same as a guilty plea and was entered by the judge as such. It was a huge mistake but at the time I was more worried about how the court process was affecting my job and classes.</p>

<p>BrownParent: Thanks. I wasn’t sure which forum it was most relevant to when I realized there was an Admissions section.</p>

5

<p>Most of the forums are for undergrad addmissions, search…just the grad forums is for grad stuff–parent’s forum takes any questions.</p>

6

<p>Most applications ask about criminal records and also ask for an explanation for the conviction. Give a brief explanation, including your documented adverse medical reaction.</p>