<p>So today I received a misdemeanor charge for Minor in Possession of alcohol. I was wondering how this could affect my chances at admission into college. I'm 17, and while I know your juvenile record is sealed on your 18th birthday, mine is March 11th, well past the time I would turn in any applications. Will colleges know about this? And, if so, how much will it hurt my chances at being accepted to schools such as UVA, UNC, or UF?</p>
<p>If your are still dealing with this, I would definitely recommend an expungement. It is very easy for a minor offense like this. You do not need an attorney for expungement. Go to the law library in your county courthouse and they have the forms and the process that you must follow. Once it is expunged (2-3 months), then you can honestly answer “no” on the questions that ask about prior criminal history.</p>
<p>On the Common Application, you must answer two Disciplinary History questions, one of which is:</p>
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<p>If you have been charged, but not plead guilty or were found guilty . . . you can truthfully answer “No” to the question. However, if you have been convicted or plead guilty, and your record has not been expunged, I think you need to answer “yes” with an explanation.</p>
<p>Everyday colleges deal with underage drinking on their campuses, so I think if you provide a contrite explanation, they will be understanding.</p>
<p>My dumb response - if you have an underage drinking episode where the circumstances put you in a place where you had more consequences than the average kid who drinks, you’ve got a problem. If you’re merely caught underage with alcohol like once, and you get the misdemeanor, with community service or whatnot, you’re fine. It really might also be also out of your HS dean entirely. </p>
<p>My older brother did several overnights at colleges. Most where he was signed out by a freshman host or hosts who then proceeded to get him completely blind drunk as a 17 year old.</p>