<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am a 20 year old college student and a graduate student hopeful (Columbia, Berkeley, and U Chicago are my top three, as I am looking to pursue a degree in Post-Antebellum American Literature). I am graduating a year early to participate in the Fulbright Teaching Scholarship/Fellowship, and have maintained a 4.0 at a top university during my time as an undergraduate. However, I recently got charged with a hit and run (a misdemeanor). It is a long story and I assure you was not intentional, and several defenders, officers, etc. assured me that I probably would not get convicted. However after my hearing I was ordered to be fingerprinted and "booked," which the officer fingerprinting me explained was equivalent to being arrested. If I am not convicted, will the arrest/charges hinder me in being admitted to my dream schools? I cannot believe I have come so far and worked so hard, only to be completely ruined by this incident (which was school related as well). </p>
<p>Anything will help at this point. Thank you. </p>