Graduate Admissions with a Misdemeanor

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi all. </p>

<p>I’m 23 and about to begin the process of applying to graduate school, but I had a rough year due to some personal hardships. I found myself seriously acting out of character and making some very poor choices that I regret greatly. I was arrested for shoplifting at a few months ago in Missouri. I have no priors and I am obtaining a diversion since it is my first offense, so as long as I comply with my requirements (no other convictions, community service, therapy, etc) I will not receive any conviction on my record and the books are to be closed on the matter after 24 months. </p>

<p>Now, naturally I am very concerned about how this is going to affect my future and my ability to further my studies. I know applications ask about your criminal record; I know that if the application simply asks if I am convicted, I do not need to reply yes, but if it is worded “have you been charged,” I know I do and must explain.<br>
Either way, if they would run a background check the charge could potentially pop up, especially in the time I’m waiting for the books to be closed over the next two years.</p>

<p>I guess I’m just curious if there are any other people out there in similar situations or with any insight into how this will affect my admittance into a graduate program and/or the possibility of a TA position or scholarship which I had been hoping and needing to obtain.</p>

<p>Any information, thoughts, advice would be most appreciated.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your time and input!</p>

2

<p>It didn’t hinder me from getting into USC’s Graduate Program.</p>

3

<p>There is a girl in my program who had drug charges on her background check and she was able to get in. She was even funded at first.</p>

<p>If the rest of your application is strong enough, it likely won’t make a difference.</p>

4

<p>Jkl189 - I don’t think you have anything to worry about. If anything, I think the concern would be that the charge is pretty recent. I am also in Missouri. I am not sure which school you’re applying to, but I just applied to two grad schools in Central MO and I don’t remember any questions about a criminal record. It might be a coincidence, not sure.</p>