<p>Approximately three years ago I violated the student code of conduct at my university and was reprimanded with a year suspension. I had a 2.5 GPA and just didn't have my life together at the time... it involved an arrest for disorderly conduct. As a result I transferred to a state school and since then have been receiving high marks and expect to graduate with a GPA over 3.6. I am also currently interning in a lab at the local medical school, which is related to my future prospects. So here is my question... how much of a impact should this event have if I decide to go to apply to graduate schools. </p>
<p>Please nobody say anything regarding my actions... I think about it enough as it is. Thank you for any input provided. I'm trying to do whatever I can to further myself as a person. Thank you for the replies</p>
<p>There is no need to mention anything unless you were actually convicted and the application asks you this. Your poor grades at the first university will speak for themselves as to your reason for transferring. In your personal statement focus on the fact that you have matured and have demonstrated strong academics in your most recent academic program.</p>
<p>Yes I understand that, however some programs I have been looking at ask about any incidents at which you have been suspended, put on probation, suspended, or dismissed. I wouldn’t even consider lying on such a question. I have no criminal convictions so that part does not bother me when answering.</p>
<p>There’s absolutely no way to tell, as this will vary from person to person. Some people would look and say “Disorderly conduct, lol, whatever” and completely ignore it. Others will clutch their pearls and use it as a decision point between you and the legendary Equivalent Candidate.</p>
<p>But, it was 3 years ago, and you’re not even applying this year. So there will probably be at least 4-5 years between when this incident happened and when they read your app. There’s a good chance that most people will default to the former instead of the latter.</p>
<p>Thanks for the perspective… it’s kind of hard for me to look at it like that. Four years is a lot of time now that I think about it… especially considering I was a teenager when it happened. </p>
<p>To say that it couldn’t possibly have any effect would be inaccurate. But in my experience, graduate school admission is considerably holistic and personal. Your growth–as a student and person–will probably be apparent, and as long as your performance and application reflect that, I think you’ll be OK. A friend of mine was admitted to numerous programs in spite of an unfortunate arrest on his record similar to yours. So it is certainly possible.</p>