Application with a DUI

Question

I have a misdemeaner DUI and some applications (Stanford) ask if I have been convicted of a crime.

Am I automatically thrown into the reject pile?

rhyme · Answer

Peronsally, I wouldnt even bother mentioning the DUI. It's a misdemeanor.

And anyway no, this wont get you rejected. What they are really looking for here is people with serious criminal issues - those that might be a threat to other students or faculty. Rape, felony assault, assault and battery, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc. Or for serious crimes indicating a lack of ethics - b&e, embezellment, fraud, etc. "I got drunk" doesn't constitute any of these. 

If you want to play it safe, indicate you got a DUI. Express regret, indicate it was a dumb move and a momentary lapse of judgement, and end there.

homefry · Answer

Here's the question. 

 Have you ever been convicted of a crime, had a criminal charge sustained against you in a juvenile proceeding, or have been placed on a court-supervised probation? 

Note that it doesn't ask for only felony crimes.... it just asks for crimes.


If I don't mention the DUI, can they take back the acceptance? Would a misdemeanor DUI be enough to take back the accpetance?


Off topic... how do they check all of our credentials?

jayy178 · Answer

i wouldnt report this...a crime could mean jay-walking or speeding ticket.... dont bother to mention it.. crimes they are looking for are felonies and up...

Hjort · Answer

You must report this incident. Failing to report it would be considered a clear violation of basic ethics. 

The best policy is to be as transparent as possible about the event and show the admissions officers that this incident is not indicative of your character. Attempting to conceal the incident would send the opposite message.

rhyme · Answer

Hjorts got a point. In any case, I stand by my theory that it wont make a lick of difference on your candidacy so long as you express regret that it happened.

homefry · Answer

What do you mean by be transparent? Can you further explain this?

homefry · Answer

I know what you mean. An infraction (speeding ticket) is a crime, but people wouldn't mention that.

rhyme · Answer

No appearance of impropriety. He means that if you come across as reflective, open and honest - in both your strengths and weaknesses, successes and mistakes, you will appear honest and trustworthy. 

The thing to say about it something like this:

"In X, I was unfortunately charged with driving under the influence. I had made a poor decision and in a momentary lapse of judgement, I regrettably chose to drink and drive. I am embarassed by the foolishness of my choice, but have since learned from my mistake. "

Short, simple, take responsibility for it, and move on.

Hjort · Answer

By transparent I simply mean following a policy of full disclosure and not attempting to conceal information from the admissions staff. 

Unlike a citation for jaywalking or an ordinary speeding ticket, DUI could be seen as indicative of a serious lapse of judgment and possibly even a substance abuse problem. 

Rhyme makes a good point- most likely the admissions staff would simply disregard the offense if it appeared that the candidate was genuinely contrite. On the other hand, if one attempted to conceal it this is the kind of ethical violation that could lead to expulsion.

homefry · Answer

Should I make it 1 page or 1 paragraph?

Should I also mention that I have never been in trouble with the law (except for this incident)?

Or that I have completed all the required courses, fines, and have my full license and driving rights?

rhyme · Answer

1 page? Oh lord no!!! Three sentences. If you harp on it for a page, then they'll wonder about it. If its three sentences they wont think twice. Seriously, do NOT waste a page on it.

It should just say:

I got a DUI. I made a bad choice. I've learned from that mistake.

Say those three sentences. Just say them more eloquently.

smallkid · Answer

Hello! I'm an American, applying to a few business schools in the UK (LBS, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester Business School). I am pretty sure I could be a good fit for OxBridge.

A few years ago, I was stupid enough to get a wet reckless misdemeanor in the States. Of course, I have learned a whole lot. Of course, I don't even think about drinking and driving anymore. But it doesn't change the fact that I have a criminal record now.

That being said, Cambridge specifically asks this: Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence, or debarred from a professional associations, or are you currently involved in proceedings which might lead to such outcomes?

What do I do? A wet reckless misdemeanor in the US - should I disclose it on my application in the UK? Thanks!

Admissionado · Answer

I would go along the lines of Jacksparrow . Look at the law of the state in which you were convicted in, and if it follows that you are not obliged to report it (i.e. first drunk driving offense, misdemeanor, etc... which changes from state to state), there is no reason I can see why you should make yourself trouble by going out of your way to report it much less write an essay about it.

Yes, they can run a background check, but this information should not be available (and martin70 gives very good advice in you checking if it is), and even if it were, if you are not obliged to report it, it would be illegal for them to hold it against you.

Jon

MBAbot · Answer

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Application with a DUI

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