<p>I posted this elsewhere, but with little responsive. I'm applying to a handful of rather selective schools, and am beginning to worry more and more about whether or not I'm totally screwed...</p>
<p>Criminal record going to hurt me? </p>
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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>I thought by law you do not have to report a crime to a school unless it is a felony? At least, I know this is definitely true for employment. Isn't it discriminatory for schools to deny you admission based on one misdemeanor?</p>
<p>Well, for one I have two misdemeanors. Second, I've never heard of any laws against requiring full legal disclosure. If this is indeed the case, many schools are in violation. Again, I don't know, and I certainly hope you are right.</p>
<p>I'm in a similar situation and what you might want to do is actually speak to someone in admissions anonymously and ask. I spoke with Reed and NYU both about my previous situation (clean record but suspended from a local uni for similar charges) and both said it will effect how I am looked at but if a large amount of personal growth and change is shown in the applicant, it can easily be overlooked or seen in a semi-good light (not sure how true the latter is).</p>
<p>anyway, it is still worth it to apply but go out of your way to show that you really want the accepted letter and don't plan on doing stupid things like this again.</p>
<p>While I agree they probably won't find out unless I say something, it will def. come up if/when I apply to the bar. In which case I doubt the character and fitness commitee will care about such trivial convictions, but would care that I lied about them.</p>
<p>adam- Ha, I def. hope it is worth it to apply, otherwise I'd quit busting my ass for these 4.0's. Maybe it could be seen in a semi-positive light, as now I go out of my way not to break the law, while before I was a little more casual in how I went about things. I think I'm going to write a short essay explaining the record and how I'm regretful and making every effort not to let these things happen again. I am geniunely regretful, I just hope this sentiment does not come across as insincere.</p>
<p>chessie, post your question on the Parent Forum. There is at least one parent there with a lot of knowledge in this area, who has stated that she is very willing to help students/families understand these situations.</p>
<p>If she does not notice your thread, PM MomofWildChild.</p>