Criminal record going to hurt me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>So...... About 4 years ago (I was 20), I was cited for driving under a suspended license, a misdemeanor. I plead guilty to the charge, and paid a $200 fine. (License was suspended due to non-payment of a traffic ticket...I paid the ticket the next month, reinstating my license.) Also, two summers ago, I was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. I plead no constest, paid a fine, and took a court ordered drug assesment class.</p>

<p>So yeah, I know, I'm an idiot. For what it's worth, the process of worrying about how this will affect me is enough to make sure it never happens again. Putting myself in these situations has proven to be stupid and childish. </p>

<p>Do you think these incidents will have an adverse affect on my admissions decision? On one hand, I'm sure the majority of applicants have no record at all, so that certainly does me no favors. On the other hand, I don't think these convictions offer anything negative in terms of my character or moral turpitude. Or do they? I just hope the adcoms will realize that many students have, or at some point will, commit crimes similar to mine. (I'm aware this in no way excuses my behavior, but I do believe it is not completely irrelevant)</p>

<p>As far as the explanation I provide, do you think something short such as the above summary would suffice? Or should I explain all the details? </p>

<p>Any feedback is greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>It's not good, I agree, but I think your honesty reflects well on your character. You should be very open about the above, and should write as you are right now, that it was stupid, but you are on the correct path now. You could maybe incorporate this into an essay, and mention the honor code (which is so important at UVA). No one is a total saint, not even TJ.
I wouldn't be too brief, you need to show remorse. Also, I wouldn't go into sordid details either. Emphasize your honesty, and your changed ways. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the advice, jimmyjam. I agree it's important to explain that I do in fact acknowledge the stupidity of my acts, and my intent to prevent them from ever reoccuring. The honor code is also important to me, and I want to convey this to them. I have not, do not, and will not lie, cheat or steal, and do not want my criminal record to suggest otherwise. I'm thinking of explaining the details of the afforementioned convitions in a seperate essay. </p>

<p>Hopefully things work out, as I feel otherwise I'm a fairly competitive applicant, and hope very much to attend.</p>

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<p>Anyone else? I'm hoping I'm not the only person w/ an arrest record to apply to UVa, let alone get accepted...</p>