<p>Hi, I am currently a junior in HS and a candidate for the class of 2013. My grades and test scores are above average. However, the one thing that really concerns me about my application is that I got into trouble with my school and the law my freshman year (was not arrested, put in juvenile hall, etc.) The case was eventually expunged. Just wondering, when do I have to deal with the character review committee? And when I do, will it for sure ruin my chances at an appointment?</p>
<p>I have made various steps to make up for my mistake such as lots of volunteer work, VP of Nat'l Honor Society, etc. I know these things will not make up for what I did, but the idea of "no chance for an appointment" has been wracking my brain for the past 2.5 years, and at times, made me not even want to apply. Thanks, and I would appreciate an honest opinion!</p>
<p>I congratulate you for accepting responsibility for your actions and it looks like you've made great strides in securing a better future for yourself. </p>
<p>Maybe more experienced WP parents will know how admissions will react to your record, but I suggest you call Admissions at WP yourself and ask what you're chances are. You won't know until you ask.</p>
<p>I also suggest that you include that episode in your life in your essay to WP (and any other colleges you're applying to). Write what you've learned from the experience. Don't hide it and hope that they won't find out. Definitely don't lie about it.</p>
<p>Once an appointment is awarded, a candidate will be required to submit both a juvenile and adult police background check. </p>
<p>Seriously - an incident that happened when you were 14 years old and was expunged is not going to be held against you.</p>
<p>Like wpmom2011 says - be forthright and honest. If you learned a lesson in character then explain it. Honestly is the best policy.
If you are admitted you will be required to do a police record check. Even cases that were sealed or expunged need to be disclosed.</p>
<p>You made a youthful indiscretion perhaps, but you are not the same person you were 2-3 years ago. You have grown up and moved on - this will not stand in your way.</p>
<p>I will give you my opinion --that is all it is.<br>
You didnt go into detail, but I would that an incident as described, with the results as decribed would not have any direct impact on your chances. IF it was of such a serious nature that it would be addressed by reference writers (and you have some less flexibility at USMA than regular schools) it might have some impact.</p>
<p>At least a couple of years ago there was a section asking about these events --something like "have you ever been convicted blah blah..If this fits te bill, be fortright and honest.... </p>
<p>Cadets at USMA are generally not 'saints' they do make mistakes, what they dont do (and last) is lie about it. I know of cadets caught drinking in their rooms (barracks) walked alot of hours but werent kicked out. I know of cadets who lied about what they did and were dismissed... as is usually the case it is the 'coverup' that gets you ...oops sorry for the prattle....</p>
<p>Have you done any sports, they are big on that</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice. I am a three sport athlete at my school. The thing I got in trouble with had something to do with the honor code, I was suspended. :( I realize that all SA's revolve around the honor code-- thats what concerns me.</p>
<p>d29061: I agree with wpmom2011. Rather than worrying about it for the next year, I would call your Regional Commander in admissions and discuss it with him/her.<br>
Good luck!</p>
<p>A big part of the honor concept is honesty - just tell the truth and you should be alright. The admissions department knows that people leave high school totally different than they enter it, so I don't think it will impact your application negatively at all. It may actually help you out in an essay, as another poster suggested above. Good luck!</p>
<p>"Thanks for all the advice. I am a three sport athlete at my school. The thing I got in trouble with had something to do with the honor code, I was suspended. I realize that all SA's revolve around the honor code-- thats what concerns me."</p>
<p>An honor offense your freshman year of highschool should not boil over into the honor system at WP. I know for certain that the honor committee at WP, which is Cadet run, will not have any influence on your admission.</p>
<p>Honor offenses committed before you arrive have so little relevance that you are even allowed to keep music you downloaded illegally so long as you don't download anymore. I would advise getting rid of all of it because that's the right thing to do, but the point is that they recognize that they are dealing with a morally imperfect pool of candidates.</p>
<p>Be honest about what you did and then put it behind you. When you do get here (because I believe you have a good shot), however, make sure you act appropriately. They don't like seperating Cadets, but when someone demonstrates they have little moral potential as a future officer they won't likely risk putting that person in charge of soldiers. If you do mess up again, however, be honest about it again. I have even met people who committed honor offenses while they were here but survived primarily because they came forward and confessed. Of course, it would have been better if they never did anything, but demonstrated contrition saved them.</p>