bdodge67

So I have 2 misdemeanors on my record, one for battery and another for a fake ID. I'm currently on probation too. In the USC app it asks if you've ever been arrested or convicted. I feel like if i tell them I'll automatically rejected but at the same time if I come clean and explain what happened and how I've learned they might like that. I don't know what I should do. Really need help.

doame

If you were my child, I would suggest you call USC and ask for an appointment with an admissions counselor. There are Admissions Reps in each "school" too. So if you are interested in a particular field of study you can ask to speak with a Marshall Rep or Annenberg Rep as well. Be forthright, honest and explain your situation. Expressing some remorse for foolish decisions couldn't hurt.

Do not 'intentionally omit' anything off your college apps when they ask you about it in a specific question. It's fraudulent and doesn't say much for personal integrity.

You should also go talk to your HS Guidance Coulselor if you are still in HS. They may have experience with a similar situation.

doame

Further - It's better to just deal with your "mess" now...than live the rest of your life knowing you lied out of fear. You are not the only one who has been in this situation. I'd find out right now what the ramifications would be on your application consideration. You might be able to offset damage with productive volunteer community service, etc.

alamemom

doame has some great suggestions, and I think you have a good idea here, too: In your case, your essay probably should be on this subject. Don't make excuses, present what happened objectively and then show how you have changed, what you have learned, and what steps you have taken to be sure it doesn't happen again (specifically the battery - the fake ID one isn't as much of a concern). Or the essay could be about your personal struggle with the question of whether to reveal the arrests in your application.

It is definitely worth a shot. Best of luck, and come back and post how things go.

Eiffel

You might want to read this:

College experts discuss high school suspensions

GroovyGeek

With one infraction I would tend to agree. Two would probably be in the realm of "strenuously raised eyebrows", particularly when one of them is a battery.

I tend to agree, but a nuanced approach is probably called for. Not talking about discussions of the meaning of the word "is", but presenting yourself in the best possible light while being factually correct is probably the best approach.

In my experience HS counselors are worthless, at least they were in my D's school. They never offered a single non-trivial piece of advice on any topic related to college apps.

With two infractions, one of them quite serious, about the only hope is if there is an honest and concerted effort on the part of the OP to correct things. Talking about what he/she has learned will not do much good unless there is a genuine effort to make it right ---- community service well beyond what is expected by the court, etc.

Listenkid

whoa now listen.... was this before you turned 18? Do these get cleared once you turn 18? Cause if you turn 18 and these reecords are sealed and theres no evidence on ur transcript of any wrongdoing then....

doame

Eiffel - great link

Listenkid - You make a good point! This question might even warrant a call to OPs attorney. If files are sealed, I would get legal advice on how to answer any "Have you EVER..." questions, because they will appear on job applications too.

yanezmx

Hey, I JUST got convicted of a misdemeanor yesterday for possession of a switchblade I use for work. I'm also applying to the Cinematic Arts Program and I'm super scared too! What are you going to do? Are you going to write it in that section or are you going to leave it blank? I seriously don't know what to do. I'm going to call the admissions office on monday.