I recently got in to the university of Michigan and am waiting back to hear from a couple of schools. Unfortunately yesterday I got in trouble for having one Xanax pill without a prescription. I am under 17 so am being charged as a juvenile by the police and got an in school suspension from the school. Because it is my first offense the school will not contact any colleges but I am wondering what the effects of the charge will have. Michigan was one of my top choices and I hope I did not just ruin my life by having one lousy pill. I have had no previous run ins with the law.
I don’t know the potential consequences of the charge…but later on in life, you may get hurt by it. I can’t be too sure, but if your school has promised to not contact colleges, then you should be fine, right? But, they do receive your final grades and disciplinary history from what I know…so…it may end up being a problem. I’d need to know more about your stats- if you’ve been a relatively good student throughout highschool and are very competitive candidate, then I’d say it won’t affect your admissions.
Next, why did you have the pill in the first place? Maybe you needed anxiety medication and wanted to try it out without having your parents involved…or maybe it was something else…You should probably try and see a doctor about getting a prescription for it if you need it. Also, how did they find you in possession of a single pill?
The police are charging you, the school is the least of your worries, but how did it get to involve police in the first place? Did the school call the police for your issue or are you part of a bigger issue in the school?
If the school said they do not report those things, you’re fine from the school-side. But it could be on a criminal record. Will you be going to court for it, or was it “just” a citation? You will want to inquire with the courts if it will be on your record. If so, you can petition to have the record sealed when you’re 18. Also if you have to go to court, be sure you choose whichever penalty there may be that will keep it off your record. You may benefit anyway from a drug diversion program, which would likely be very educational. I know quite a few kids who have become addicted to Xanax. It’s nothing to mess around with. Try, maybe, but once you’ve tried it, leave it be. (And I don’t mean people need to try these things. I’m only saying that assuming the OP already tried it.) And no, you have not ruined your chances, in my opinion, but get straight or you will.
I should clarify: I used to work with the courts, so I know a little about this stuff, but not from the college side.