<p>I am soon to graduate college after this coming semester with a 3.67 GPA. I scored in the top 25% on the GRE and have done internships with two NCAA Football teams. I am applying to Physical Therapy school. My resume is good, especially given the internship experience, but I'm worried about my arrest record.</p>
<p>I got a DUI my sophomore year of college and have been convicted of two 'minor in possession of alcohol' charges, one of which was dropped. But ultimately, this results in three misdemeanors on my record. The DUI had some pretty stupid circumstances. I tested at the scene with a blood alcohol level of 0.012 which is basically non-existent but was still convicted of DUI because I was a minor and there's a 'zero tolerance' policy if your not 21. Nevertheless, it still sucks that with such a low content I'm thrown into the same category as guys who are actually endangering the public. </p>
<p>Will this record effect my admission to graduate school? </p>
<p>Sorry to say that there is a good chance it will. Single offenses are easier to explain away than three related misdemeanor, and no matter how minor or unjust you consider them the fact that this kept happening is not going to endear you to academic programs!</p>
<p>Still, it depends a bit on the nature of the program. If it is a professional, non-research program, then there is probably a fixed policy that you can ask about, as admissions to these programs are a lot like undergrad admissions in the way they do things. If it is a research-based program then admissions are more holistic and variable, with the final decisions being made by individual professors - they are less likely to have a fixed policy, but just as some will hold it against you still others may be willing to give you a chance.</p>
<p>Regardless, I would extend the range of schools to which you are applying to include schools lower in the rankings than your GPA would normally suggest. Schools are more likely to look past this for students that are otherwise exceptional by their standards.</p>
<p>While I have no personal experience with this, I do know that some apps only ask about felonies, which your arrests are not. But one complication can involve eventual licensure. If, to become a physical therapist you cannot have such a record, then you will have problems getting into a PT program. Honesty is certainly the best policy. An attorney familiar with these kinds of cases may be helpful, since these arrests could complicate employment. I know that sometimes one can get certain youthful arrests expunged, but you need to get the info. I’m sorry for your troubles, which flow from the misguided and counterproductive 21 year old drinking age that most of the rest of the world has wisely rejected.</p>