<p>I'm applying to a few different Universities and a couple have asked if I have any criminal convictions. I have a misdemeanor on my record and I know I should probably notify the universities now, but I'm not really sure how to. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to tell me how to disclose my criminal history to a university properly? Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>Well if they ask, you are required to answer honestly. Some allow you to explain right there about the incident(s). I forget if the Common App allows you to explain on the section where they ask you about criminal or academic discipline. If they don’t, you can address it in the Additional Info section of the CA.</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to answer my question born2dance94!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, none of the universities I’m applying to are using the common app and all are asking me to send the information by certified mail. Each asks to write a brief explanation of the incident, where the offense took place, and the court’s disposition, but I’m unsure about how to include “a grant of permission to the University for complete access to criminal records”. Is it just a statement that goes along the lines of, “I, ____<strong><em>, give complete access of my past criminal records to the university of _</em></strong>__”?</p>
<p>Koopa, You need to talk with the lawyer who defended you, and if he or she is not available, another lawyer who knows the law in the state where it all happened. If the crime was committed when you were a minor, a lawyer who works with juveniles and knows about juvenile criminal records would be your best bet. And if this is a misdemeanor that was committed when you were a juvenile, have you talked with a lawyer about the possibility of the record being expunged?</p>