Over the summer I was caught shoplifting about $20 worth of stuff. I’m in a deferred prosecution program, which is something specifically asked on some college apps. What would be the best way to explain this incident? What kind of things should I tell them? I’m a good student, never even been in trouble at school before. How much do you think this will hurt my chances of getting in to good schools?
“Expunged” = Not on your record = Respond “NO” to the Common App question
I don’t think I made this clear but it’s not expunged yet, and won’t be for at least six months. I just don’t know if being in this program means I was adjudicated guilty or not
Not guilty. Answer “NO” to the Common App question.
There was stuff I wanted and didn’t have the cash, so I decided to steal it instead but got caught. I’ve never been caught in anything like this before; usually I can just take what I want whenever I want, from anybody I want. However, this time, there was a hidden camera that I didn’t know about and I got caught. I feel awful and stupid about the whole thing. I’ve learned my lesson and you certainly won’t catch me shoplifting anything as inexpensive as $20 anymore.
The truth is always your best bet. Are you getting treatment for whatever lead you to steal? Avoiding former peers who may have encouraged you? What steps are you taking to avoid the temptation to shoplift or to deal with the temptation? Include all that preventative stuff.