If a senior in high school was recently charged with a misdemeanor, and they are applying for colleges, how much will this affect their chances of gettiing accepted? I am not saying this is about me, a close friend is needing some help. Thank you.
It depends on what kind of crime he has been charged with. If it is a rape crime or other serious crime then it will seriously affect his chances of getting in. But if the charge is not of some serious kind then he will have to write a letter or essay to college admission office, describing them about what actually happened and what have he learnt from this incident and it will not affect much his chances of getting in.
I hope this was helpful
@Haidarasjad The OP said MISDEMEANOR – not a serious crime.
OP: Ignore the advice about writing an essay about it. Speak w/your GC and get specific advice.
My bad then !
DO NOT write an essay about it.
Let your GC handle it (they must report misdemeanors and, depending on school policy may or may not be able to explain the nature of the crime.)
No matter what, “Caught with a rolled up joint in his locker” will not have the same impact as “intent to distribute stolen prescription pills”, or “Raucuous behavior at a football game” will not be the same as “hate speech”.
You will also need to report it to colleges on the CommonApp IF you are convicted. “charged but not convicted” won’t count.
For a misdemeanor, there’s also the issue of whether it’s a repeated problem or a one-time problem.
So far they are only charged, and they’ve been filling out college applications and they’re not sure what to put when they ask if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. I told them to say no, but I am not sure myself.
If the question is “have you ever been charged”, they answer yes.
If the question is “have you ever been convicted”, they answer no.
Please note that there’ll be a midyear report, so that if they’re convicted, this will appear at that time.