Criminal Record

<p>Hello. I am a non-traditional student. I am 33 years old. I am getting ready to graduate with a 3.9 GPA. I am also a double major. I am putting together my applications for grad school. I have felonies from 1999. Every application is asking for my criminal history. How will this affect my admission to a grad school? How should I approach this? Should I approach this?</p>

<p>I have clearly turned a new leaf if you were to look at my academic progress. I also have a couple of misdemeanors. I received them well over seven years ago. I really want to go to grad school but I am afraid that my past will prevent this from happening. </p>

<p>Could anybody give me some insight into the application process? I want to go into humanitarian aid work. I am fixing to complete college with a double major in government and journalism as well as a minor in spanish.</p>

<p>Any info will help. Thanks for any feed back on this matter.</p>

<p>Well, the first thing is to make sure that you report everything accurately. After that, you need to make a good case in your personal statement for the fact that you have turned over the new leaf. Your academic record will speak for itself but you have to speak to the underlying causes of your record and why you have changed.</p>

<p>If a university is unwilling to consider you seriously, then you have to make it as difficult as possible for them to make that decision. I am pretty sure you will find a program that is willing to take you.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

<p>Please note that it will depend a lot on the nature of your felonies and your intended field - there are some combinations that simply do not work together, and I am hoping you considered that before starting college!</p>

<p>Another important consideration for you now: What hum aid or journalism employers or clients will hire you with a record. This is a serious issues to investigate now. Poeple with a criminal record have a very hard row to hoe in professional employment. </p>

<p>You may be denied visas from countries banning you for your past.
This will be of concern to your employers since your travel may be restricted.</p>