SteslaS

are previous scuffles with the law automatic disqualifies?

I did something in tenth grade that i'm not proud of. The record was sealed and I literally had a jury of my peers. my 'rehabilitation' was decided by a group of tenth graders at the local high school.

I know that West Point can check any record but do they check high school records? The big file with the teachers comments and ect?

Luigi59

I would believe that failing to disclose a previous offense would be viewed as an attempt to deceive, if ever uncovered.

Worth taking the chance?

On the other hand, an honest revelation of the incident, along with a explanation where the offender has learned from the mistake, may be viewed more favorably.

aspen

No, previous legal offensives are not automatic disqualifiers.

I recommend you disclose and explain your situation to the USMA admissions people. I believe it would be wrong to intentionally withhold information that you think might be material to the admission board's decision.

Remember, you're applying for the opportunity to join the Corps of Cadets which holds all cadets to the Honor Code : "A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do."

stesla2

what if the offense was for stealing?

what about previous drug use?

majmattmason

Neither of the offenses you describe bode well for a leader of those going into combat. It begs the question, why would a soldier want to put their life in the hands of a known drug user or someone who steals? Are leaders perfect folks with pristine pasts? Hardly. But their judgement and past will come into question by subordinates required to follow orders.

Do NOT obfuscate or buffalo if asked. But you better have an exemplary explanation as to why those are part of your past and more importantly, what you have done to correct the behavior and how you have changed. Your honesty will be considered in your responses.

LAGator

One of the best ways to *not* pass a background check is to get caught lying. Just provide honest answers to questions asked and you will probably be fine. A surprising number of things are actually non-issues. Prior drug use *might* be a disqualifier for a service academy (not sure), but you still may be eligible to commission.

FWIW, I knew someone who graduated from West Point and served honorably in the US Army who got a DUI in the 11th grade.

jscam87

There is no "Offense" equals "Punishment" or "Pass/Fail" list. Whatever you did is whatever you did. Even if you told your story in excruciating detail, nobody could answer if it will be limiting since it is a judgement call. In addition, you may never know -if you are not admitted -if this had any impact. It could be that you do not make the cut and they never get to this input. However, that would not stop you from concluding- and spreading the word- that since you did "X", and were not admitted, "X" is a problem (when in fact it was your below average SAT's).
Truthfully, many applicants are surprised that this is requested and never complete the application because they "feel" that this will be a problem. Wayne Gretzky famously said, "you miss 100% of the shots you never take...". It may be a problem, but if you stop the application, you will NOT be appointed and you will never know.
Good Luck!
PS the remark about lying about an offense being universally worse than any offense is both exactly correct and completely missed by many applicants. I make some remarks about this and other mistakes on my blog...
Service Academy Admissions - Blog
Cheers