<p>Is a summary citation for public drunkeness an automatic disqualifier for admission? I disclosed it on my application. Just curious if anyone has experience with how admissions looks at criminal records. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Also.. the include w/ this thread
-suspension from school for "disrupting the class" in 9th
-felony for grand theft in 9th
-probation for one year in 9th</p>
<p>c_odonell and kpsong:</p>
<p>This is an interesting question; i have no criminal record so i can't speak from any experience. I do know someone who years ago was brought up as a juvenile on some charge, but he's a cadet now so he's proof that you can have charges on your record and still get in. I cannot say to what extent this is true, or how many people with records actually get in, so if you were looking for statistics hopefully someone else can answer that.</p>
<p>I do remember that during Beast this was discussed whenever we talked about the Honor Code. At every briefing about the Honor Code, someone would inevitably ask the question of how West Point views past criminal activity. The stance i heard taken, and i do not claim this as the policy of the Academy so do not quote me on this, was that West Point is more concerned with the leadership, moral and ethical development of cadets from R-day on, and not as much with past mistakes made.</p>
<p>That being said, do not take criminal activity lightly as i'm sure you understand. Like i said, i have no clue how heavily that kind of stuff is weighed against your admissions profile. West Point is concerned with how you develop once you are under their instruction; they take people from all walks of life and work to shape them so that they are all up to speed on what is expected of them in terms of standards in ethics and discipline. Your police record plays a part in how well they think you will do here at the Academy just like your academic and physical record do. Bottom line: since what you did was years ago (at least in kpsong's case), just do what you should be and let the rest work itself out. Anyone else have better insight into their question?</p>
<p>The best advice is for candidates to call Admissions and speak to their Regional Commander. They are the only ones who can give an informed opinion in this situation (once they have all of the facts). The only advice I would give is to be honest.</p>
<p>Disclose alll records and transgressions - even sealed records - to the Admissions office.</p>
<p>Offenses which were the results of immaturity and poor judgement and not indicative of character flaws are carefully considered but the Admissions office is not looking for saints.</p>
<p>Likely the very fact you are trying for USMA means your criminal record is an abnormality and not indicative.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most obvious consideration is intelligence of the applicant in regards to when the crime was committed. If it was made recently, one has to consider the IQ allowing the situation to occur or if one is deep down trying to sabotage ones own chance at attending USMA.</p>
<p>But if it is a uhique and one off event I would not dwell on it. Just disclose.</p>