<p>I recently went to a graduation party and had about 2 beers. Unfortunately on my way home, there was a sobriety check point and they got my BAC at about .046. Luckily this is not above .08 but since i am a minor and should not have any alcohol, i received the charge of Operating a Vehicle after under Age Consumption. I deeply regret this incident and am now realizing the hurt it has caused my family. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, it happened and theres nothing that i can do. Really i was wondering how this effects my college applications. I was looking at top schools, specifically Rice and UPenn, and i would definetely have to report this bc i am not 18 yet so it wont get off my record yet.</p>
<p>Your best bet might be to address the incident in the application essays, demonstrating remorse, lessons learned, plans to stay legal in the future, etc., and hope the adcoms show some mercy. </p>
<p>You might want to hire legal counsel to inform you of the exact situation of your record, in your particular state, during the apps process.</p>
<p>He doesn’t have to use the topic for his main essay, but to totally avoid the issue would only exacerbate the problem. Most apps have a place to explain any infractions or expulsions, and they specifically ask for an explanation there. That is where the remorseful essay belongs.</p>
<p>Do they really ask about infractions? Is it a misdemeanor or less? While a very serious charge, does this really go on the application? We have graduated driving laws in our state and you can have your license suspended for many things- driving after 11, having someone in the car, texting, and the above. Your driving record is included?</p>
<p>How serious is this? The Common Application for next year, for example, says:</p>
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</p>
<p>If you are able to answer no under these conditions, do so. Otherwise, say yes and simply append a document explaining your circumstances. This would not be a good essay topic as, while you may or may not be regretful, it is highly cliche and not particularly life changing.</p>
<p>Its not a false statement. If you’re a minor and you’re convicted of a crime, you have a right to confidentiality and to not tell your future employers or educators about the incident.</p>
<p>However, you’re not necessarily a minor if you’re younger than 18. Many states have a cutoff age of 16 or 17 for minors by the courts definition, while you still can’t buy cigarettes or do other 18 year-old things until you’re 18.</p>
<p>If you find that you DO have to give this information on college applications, you may do well to do some significant volunteer hours at SADD or another related organization. Talking about remorse and doing something to make a difference are two different things. The second speaks much louder to any adult. Without making it a topic in your essays (focusing on your attributes), you make your short statement to explain…the rest speaks on it’s own. Sometimes less is more.</p>
<p>Don’t write your college essay about it. That should be used to highlight your strengths, not your weak areas.</p>
<p>Blueiguana’s advice to do volunteer work related to SADD or similar groups is a good one. Obviously, not risking other alcohol-related infractions also would be an excellent idea.</p>