Car accident = Misdemeanor?

<p>Yesterday, I was involved in my first car accident. I'm 17 years old, from NJ, and I was driving legally with another minor. No one was hurt. I'm pretty sure it's my fault - I did not stop long enough at the stop sign to see another car coming and hit the rear of their car. However, the car was going pretty fast (I was driving at speed limit 25 mph).</p>

<p>There is a question on the common application that asks if you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime. I have not gone to court yet, and I have not been convicted. I have not even seen the police report. But, is this a misdemeanor? Should I write it down anyway?</p>

<p>Were you cited at the scene for anything? Even if you were, you have not been convicted of anything so you can safely answer “no” on the common app. They are really asking that question because they are concerned about serious issues like violent crime, DUI, drugs, etc. They want to keep their campuses safe. You haven’t been convicted of anything. Don’t worry. Besides, just the fact that you are so concerned about being honest shows that you have integrity and any college would be lucky to have you! Good luck.</p>

<p>I mean, imagine if every teen that got into a fender bender and was at fault for it put it on the Common app?! Wouldn’t that be just about every teenager!</p>

<p>^That</p>

<p>A lawyer was at our school a few weeks ago and told us this wouldn’t apply in such a question.</p>