PaTxGuy wrote:
I've got a question re: minor infraction/criminal background
We all make mistakes....but will business schools look disfavorably on an applicant that has had a small "incident" with the law early in their career? Two and a half years ago I was slapped with a silly little Class C misdemeanor charge for public intoxication. A little too young and immature, a few too many drinks, a little too much rowdiness (no damage, injury, etc...) and there's the infraction. Silly and stupid (believe me, I've learned...the fratboy days are over).
In TX, these records are "no big deal.....they're just like traffic tickets" according to the local cops/attorneys, (and supposedly they dont often show on national background checks, only on city and county checks) but I'm wondering about disclosing it on applications for schools that ask. If I explain what happened, and all that was involved, on the application, would the schools still look disfavorably on me vs. someone who doesnt have a "blemish" like this? My record is pristine, aside from this.
Just curious, as no one has been able to give me a reasonable answer on this as it pertains to going to b-school. Hoping you might be able to give me some insight. I'm really hoping it won't matter, but figured I'd run it by you before I start down the applications "road."
Thanks.
If asked, you must disclose. Remember, many schools will do checks after acceptance. If you have "forgotten" to disclose something they asked for that's grounds for them to withdraw an offer of admission.
With that said, don't give the line that this was really no big deal and just like a parking ticket. Take responsiblity. Say you learned your lesson, as evidenced by the absence of a repeat offense. You will not be the first or the last one admitted to b-school with an infraction.
Good luck!
close
20 Aug 2004, 14:10
