<p>a friend of mine who is a straight A student received a drinking citation in the state of pennsylvania recently. She's 17 years old. It may be reduced to "disturbing the peace" or "disorderly conduct" because her number on the breathalyzer was so low. Since she is going to be 18 when she applies to colleges, do you think this will affect her chances for getting into the top schools? People have told us it is wiped clean once she turns 18</p>
<p>You should tell your friend Katie not to worry. College adcoms know that ~85% of the applicants they review have tried alcohol. The fact that you got caught is just bad luck.</p>
<p>With just the facts provided, I’d say she’s fine.</p>