<p>So if you have a class A misdemeanor for theft or possession of stolen property or anything like that, would it highly decrease your chances of getting into medical school? Do they even check your public record or could you just write on your application that you have had no criminal offenses.</p>
<p>Most (all?) schools are doing background checks now. I think the AAMC has come out in favor of them doing this. Because of them doing the background checks, you need to disclose this up front - you don't want them finding that surprise. It'd be even worse if you told them there was nothing, and then they found that.</p>
<p>Certainly it's not a good thing to have show up, but if it's there it's there. I'm sure it will give some schools a pause, while others might (if you're lucky) dismiss it depending on the circumstances and repayment to society. </p>
<p>I think being up front about it, and if it can be explained as a youthful indiscretion, it should - but you MUST show or demonstrate in some way that you've changed as a result (you can't just say you've changed - you'll need to provide concrete examples).</p>
<p>My school certainly did a background check on me. As well as a drug test. And psychological screening. (Kidding on the last one. Actually you'd think it would be the most impt.)</p>
<p>GomerPyle, what was the result? </p>
<p>I hope you plea bargained or something as to not accept a guilty sentence.</p>
<p>While we're on the subject, how do medical schools look at minor consumption charges? Is it disqualifying? It seems like it would be kind of common.</p>
<p>1.) I don't know.</p>
<p>2.) IF medical schools care, then it's probably not because they actually care. It's probably because they understand that when lawsuits get filed, any little piece of incrimination can matter a great deal. An MS3 who had a misdemeanor charge at age 19 may well be more dangerous than others as a lawsuit target -- and so insurance companies may well issue demands on hospitals and their associated medical schools.</p>