<p>I left my college in good standing several years ago due to a legitimate medical issue. Since that time, I was convicted of several low-level felonies involving drugs (but not possession or distribution, which would affect federal eligibility rules). It is a top-tier public school, but I would not need to reapply as either a new student or a transfer. All I am required to do is fill out some simple readmission forms....but at the very end, it specifically asks if I've been convicted of a felony since first attending the college.</p>
<p>Even though that part of my life is over, I know if I say "yes" I will not be readmitted. I say this because for a while it was a pattern of mine to be rearrested for similar charges. That is exactly what the college states will warrant a bar to reentry. Really, if I say "yes" I will have no chance.</p>
<p>I seriously do not believe that they spend X amount of money doing criminal background checks on every prospective student. My research on online has indicated that almost no colleges do background checks as standard practice. Because I have no prior disciplinary issues with them and I am eligible for Federal aid, I cannot see why I would be flagged for one, either. A pre-law friend told me they would probably have to get permission from me to do a background check anyway. </p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>It is highly unethical to knowingly give your college false information, especially if you know that the misrepresentation will affect their decision on whether or not to readmit you. In most states, they do not need your consent for a background check, although federal law requires them to notify you of it.</p>
<p>The ethical thing to do is to admit your felonies and ask them to please make an exception for you. If you want to be unethical, understand that you’ll be living under constant threat; anyone who knows about your criminal past will fairly easily be able to get you expelled if they want.</p>
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<p>Also, if you are not readmitted, you would not be eligible for the federal financial aid. If you lie and are discovered, there may be additional legal ramifications (ie. theft) related to school or federal FA. If you were paying in full yourself, I can’t imagine that they could do more than keep your money and deny you a degree if their position was that they would never have accepted you had you answered that question truthfully.</p>
<p>Do you have hard evidence that you are unadmissible at this university, or do you just think that you can’t get in given your legal history? If there is a clear statement right on the website that says “We don’t take felons. Period.” Then shop around until you find a college or university that will accept you.</p>
<p>If there is no such formal statement, and it is just your nerves talking, make an appointment with the head of admissions, bring your records, and sit down with that person to discuss your situation. This is the person who can decide if you fit within their admissible category or not, and can make your admission possible if you are teetering on the edge. This person also has friends and professional colleagues at other colleges and universities all over the country, and can help you find out what your options are at other institutions if the answer at his/her university most unfortunately is NO.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to be honest about the felony. Not necessarily because of the consequences of not doing so, but because I couldn’t live with myself (at least comfortably) if I lied. The process of recovery from addiction has actually changed my values a lot. Even small omissions of the truth bother me very much. If they decide they don’t want me, then I’ll go elsewhere. And as someone said on another thread, it’s not always “you’re not allowed forever.” I can always reapply after another semester or two, with more time drug-and-arrest-free, to help convince them of my sincerity in living a different kind of life.</p>
<p>Plus, I’ve learned that lying and trying to cover up the truth, no matter how bad it may be, is a lot of hard work. A lot of stress. Not consistent with the kind of life I’m seeking now.</p>
<p>I just hate being judged so much on some actions, which tend to negate a lot of positive things in my life. I guess I fear that rejection so much…btw, that’s a great idea to go straight to the head of admissions with the problem. That way I KNOW I’m getting a fair answer straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the replies.</p>