<p>I'm looking to attend grad school at Texas State University-San Marcos next fall(Fall 14). The only downside I have is just a recent brush with the law I had this past week I had with an arrest and citation for public intoxication. I pleaded no contest, and today I paid my fine and well moved on from it. I know it's going to be on record forever and ever, but I'm unsure if it'll mess me up in applying to grad school. It's like I have a Class A or B misdemeanor or a DWI/DUI. I'm not sure how much I will get scrutinizied because of a public intoxication. I'm not sure if being 21 will matter.</p>
<p>Hello bmsa91,</p>
<p>I actually received a criminal citation for shoplifting about a year ago during the time I was applying to graduate schools. It was very discouraging and I definitely felt that my future was in complete jeopardy. However, I was still admitted into my top choice school (GMU). As long as the application does not ask about your criminal past, you should be fine. And if they do ask about your criminal record, they are mainly concerned whether you plead guilty or not (which in this case, you technically didn’t). The graduate program you are applying for will mostly likely not even have access to that information so you should be good.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry. Yale has graduated PhDs that were previously in prison. That’s one example. Just be honest.</p>
<p>I went to law school with people who had PI and underage consumption charges from undergrad. Not only did they get into law school, but were allowed to sit for the bar (even more screening processes). Don’t try to hide anything or sidestep it. Just show that you’ve learned from it and moved on.</p>
<p>I’m taking a guess, but I think it also depends on the field of study? I believe my ex had to fill out supplemental info when she applied to graduate school for social work. It may be the same for education for obvious reasons?</p>
<p>Just sayin’…</p>