<p>On the last page it asks "Have you ever been convicted of a crime, other than a traffic violation?" and to explain them if I have. I've gotten a couple underage drinking tickets, but one was in middle school and one was freshman year. And I got a ticket for theft last year that I believe was changed to disorderly conduct because of cooperation. Do I have to put all of those down? If I do, what would be the best way to explain them?</p>
<p>Also, will it completely screw up my chances of getting the scholarship?</p>
<p>Yes, you need to list them. As for whether it wil screw you over, it depends on the reasons for your mistakes. But it sounds like you did the same thing more thanonce, which will look bad.</p>
<p>Swirlgirl73, I have to disagree with your argument saying yes for drinking, the application asks if she has been convicted of a criminal crime. If she got a ticket, it doesn't sound like a criminal offense and do not think it needs to be reported since she never went to trial and was "convicted" of anything (declared guilty). As for the theft, did you have to go to court and were you declared guilty? I think the "convicted" wording might prevent that. NOTE:I am not a lawyer, just giving my opinion.</p>
<p>And should I mention that the theft charge was taking the fall for a friend, since I was seen and she wasn't? Or would they just assume I was lying/making excuses?</p>
<p>cld1992, yes I assume some high school kids drink, but you have been to court an awful lot. Colleges have to be concerned abou t a number of things. Maybe you have been extremely unlucky, but they may also be concerned about what didnt you get caught at.</p>
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If I do, what would be the best way to explain them?
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<p>"youthful indescretion". Also, pleading guilty is virtually the same as a conviction. You were convicted based upon the evidence of you pleading guilty.</p>
<p>At one level, it is my understanding that juvenile court records are sealed. However, the Feds may be able to get to them, or, if they ever found out ...</p>
<p>Better to report them. For Federal Scholarship/loan purposes, I think they are primarily looking for drug offenses. Take responsibility. Write a sentence or two on each. If they need more info, they will ask. It will probably disqualify you for Future Leaders type scholarships unless you have a great recovery story (current speaker traveling the national circuit against underage drinking).</p>
<p>I dont know where you are from, but our state schools are getting tougher on "youthful indescretion" especially repeat offenders, especially if they want to live in dorms. They realize they have a responsibility to all. Private, non-selective, also.</p>
<p>Consumption by minor "tickets" do show up on background checks if over 18. Neighbor girl lost a wonderful internship because she didn't realize she was "convicted"when she just paid the fee. She didn't report it because she didn't understand the rules. Not sure how they handle juvenile records. I'd ask an attorney if those records are sealed.</p>
<p>Never just pay the fee if you can afford a lawyer. Generally, a lawyer can get a first offense underage drinking ticket dismissed. Then a student can truthfully answer that they were not convicted.</p>
<p>Anonymously call a college and ask. Or ask your attorney. There are some discipline actions that are considered the equivalent of a traffic ticket and are treated as such. It may be a state by state thing.</p>