jawood1989
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- Dec 8, 2020
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Hello all. I have a likely fairly unique story that I would like some advice on. I understand there might be some members on here who work in admissions, so feedback from you guys, or anyone else with similar experience would be wonderful.
I always wanted to be a doctor, for as long as I can remember. Shortly after starting pre-med, in my freshman year, I utterly overloaded myself, tried to work a full time job at the same time, then burned out and dropped out completely. A couple years after, about 11 years ago now, I made some very irresponsible choices due to being in a bad financial situation, stole some items that did not belong to me while working as a guard, and was charged with a Texas state jail felony for theft of services (it's a unique tier to Texas, between class A misdemeanor and 3rd degree felony). While I was not technically convicted, I pled out, and was sentenced to deferred adjudication probation for 5 years, in addition to paying a fine, restitution and completing 200 hours community service. I completed my probation sentence and was released after 3.5 years and charges were dropped. But, unfortunately, though I was not convicted, the arrest and charges show up on my background check (TX DPS), and it seems universally to be treated as such, which I understand. Also, because of the level of the charge, I am unable to apply for an expulsion. The deferred adjudication program was supposed to be like a fresh start for first-time non-violent offenders if they complete the trial period during probation, but it certainly doesn't work that way since expulsion isn't an option. I can apply for an order of non-disclosure, but state licensing agencies (and I'm assuming texas medical schools) would still be able to see the arrest and charges.
I know that alot of schools now are trying a more holistic approach to applications, and I do have several mitigating factors. It has been 11 years since the offense (will likely be more like 15 years by the time I am actually applying), with no charges since. I have submitted an application to the Texas medical board to find out if I would be able to obtain a license with my background, so if that comes back as an affirmative, I will be able to include that with my application. I am also a paramedic and have been working in EMS for almost 7 years now. I had no trouble getting the Texas DSHS to issue me an EMT certification after I got off probation, then a paramedic license later. I have been going into people's homes when they are at their most vulnerable, for years now, without any incidents. So I'd say I can claim I have been rehabilitated, I sincerely regret what I did, but I have learned from it, and continue to prove every day that I would never repeat it. I also have a different life experience to draw from than the typical student, and professional medical experience to bring to the table. I'm 32, currently working my way through all the science pre-requisites and an AS emphasis in biology at my local community college, and will transfer to a large university in texas for a bachelor's. I have always excelled at science courses and school in general, so a high GPA and MCAT shouldn't be an issue.
I guess I just would like to have an idea of what to expect. I know, without a doubt, that it will be an uphill battle all the way, and that there will definitely be schools that turn me down out of hand. I do plan to integrate my background and experiences into my application essays, as they will find out either way. I've learned that it's best to be up-front about this. Sorry for the long post, and thank you for taking the time to read and respond.
I always wanted to be a doctor, for as long as I can remember. Shortly after starting pre-med, in my freshman year, I utterly overloaded myself, tried to work a full time job at the same time, then burned out and dropped out completely. A couple years after, about 11 years ago now, I made some very irresponsible choices due to being in a bad financial situation, stole some items that did not belong to me while working as a guard, and was charged with a Texas state jail felony for theft of services (it's a unique tier to Texas, between class A misdemeanor and 3rd degree felony). While I was not technically convicted, I pled out, and was sentenced to deferred adjudication probation for 5 years, in addition to paying a fine, restitution and completing 200 hours community service. I completed my probation sentence and was released after 3.5 years and charges were dropped. But, unfortunately, though I was not convicted, the arrest and charges show up on my background check (TX DPS), and it seems universally to be treated as such, which I understand. Also, because of the level of the charge, I am unable to apply for an expulsion. The deferred adjudication program was supposed to be like a fresh start for first-time non-violent offenders if they complete the trial period during probation, but it certainly doesn't work that way since expulsion isn't an option. I can apply for an order of non-disclosure, but state licensing agencies (and I'm assuming texas medical schools) would still be able to see the arrest and charges.
I know that alot of schools now are trying a more holistic approach to applications, and I do have several mitigating factors. It has been 11 years since the offense (will likely be more like 15 years by the time I am actually applying), with no charges since. I have submitted an application to the Texas medical board to find out if I would be able to obtain a license with my background, so if that comes back as an affirmative, I will be able to include that with my application. I am also a paramedic and have been working in EMS for almost 7 years now. I had no trouble getting the Texas DSHS to issue me an EMT certification after I got off probation, then a paramedic license later. I have been going into people's homes when they are at their most vulnerable, for years now, without any incidents. So I'd say I can claim I have been rehabilitated, I sincerely regret what I did, but I have learned from it, and continue to prove every day that I would never repeat it. I also have a different life experience to draw from than the typical student, and professional medical experience to bring to the table. I'm 32, currently working my way through all the science pre-requisites and an AS emphasis in biology at my local community college, and will transfer to a large university in texas for a bachelor's. I have always excelled at science courses and school in general, so a high GPA and MCAT shouldn't be an issue.
I guess I just would like to have an idea of what to expect. I know, without a doubt, that it will be an uphill battle all the way, and that there will definitely be schools that turn me down out of hand. I do plan to integrate my background and experiences into my application essays, as they will find out either way. I've learned that it's best to be up-front about this. Sorry for the long post, and thank you for taking the time to read and respond.
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