3 DUI's most recent over 8 years old

[rnicholsaz]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Filling out the AMCAS application right now and got to the misdemeanor conviction page and froze. I'm obviously a non-trad being that I had a DUI 8+ years ago, and two others 15 years ago. Am I just kidding myself that I can get into med school? Scored 33Q on January MCAT, 4.0 GPA since returning to school. Should I give up now? It sucks if the person I was 15 years ago keeps me from getting into med school, but I understand that I am competing against a whole bunch of people with unblemished records. Any thoughts, I'll appreciate any feedback.

 

[4 lyfe]

Im guessing your a mature student... you'll have great things to say in the interview... about how you developed as a person... you'll get in for sure... to bad I dont have any retro exp. like that 🙁

 

[chessknt]

You can probably explain it away or something.

Still 3 DUIs is pretty ridiculous. Are you even allowed to drive anymore?

 

[scottyT]

You can give it a shot and apply broadly and to DO schools as well. I wouldn't waste more than 1 year on this if it doesn't work out though. Also, you may wish to find out about how strict the medical licensing boards are as this will be a hurdle even if you are admitted to med school.

 

[NotAndrew]

You can probably explain it away or something.

Still 3 DUIs is pretty ridiculous. Are you even allowed to drive anymore?

I think because this happened 8 years ago you will be ok. Not that you should necessarily be ok.

I also agree that 3 DUIs is incredibly ridiculous. Its called a bicycle or the bus.

 

[starfishprime]

Its called a bicycle or the bus.

Drunk cycling is legally the same as drunk driving. Also, I'm pretty sure the bus brings up public intoxication.
Remember that harsh punishments for DUI is a recent invention. I'm guessing 8 years ago it was a slap on the wrist (else the OP couldn't have done it 3 times).

 

[bleedblue]

if they'll give u an interview, be prepared to explain how you matured from those days

 

[chessknt]

Drunk cycling is legally the same as drunk driving. Also, I'm pretty sure the bus brings up public intoxication.
Remember that harsh punishments for DUI is a recent invention. I'm guessing 8 years ago it was a slap on the wrist (else the OP couldn't have done it 3 times).

Except drunk drivers have killed many people and ruined countless lives of the survivors. Drunk cyclists arent even monitored because its their life that is at risk, not everyone elses. DUI should be 0 tolerance revocation of license.

Other poster above is right, even if you make it past the medical school hurdle they continue to do background checks as you move up into residency/a job, which may not be as accepting as your school was.

 

[slick27]

I know that medicals schools tend to overlook one DUI, but three? Really, three? You should of learned your lesson after one. The bright side though, you have time on your side. Can you get some of those expunged? Something to make it look prettier? I would also call your medical board to see if you could get a medical license. Maybe even see a addiction spealist to get evaluated. This would show the adcoms that you are doing positive steps to make SURE it doesn't happen a forth time. I would also maybe start volunteering for MAD or other drinking and driving groups. Try to spin it into a positive somehow.

I was told once, that one DUI is a drinking and driving problem. More than one, is a drinking problem. I think its going to be tough to overcome three DUI's. I would assume even in the job market it would be tough to find a decent job, since you have pretty much eliminated yourself from any job to do with driving, I would assume. But, depending on what your job has been for the last eight years, you might be able to sell how these cirumstances have not affected your ability to handle stress and other work functions.

 

[chessknt]

I know that medicals schools tend to overlook one DUI, but three? Really, three? You should of learned your lesson after one. The bright side though, you have time on your side. Can you get some of those expunged? Something to make it look prettier? I would also call your medical board to see if you could get a medical license. Maybe even see a addiction spealist to get evaluated. This would show the adcoms that you are doing positive steps to make SURE it doesn't happen a forth time. I would also maybe start volunteering for MAD or other drinking and driving groups. Try to spin it into a positive somehow.

Yea it depends on the state. In some states repeat DUIs are considered felonies, then its GG medicine because you cant get a license.

 

[Mobius1985]

I think that the length of time that has passed is on your side, but it would speak even more loudly to adcomms that you're a new person if you have leadership experience (maybe giving talks to undergrads so they won't walk in your shoes) with a sobriety advocacy group, or as a peer counselor.

 

[HanginInThere]

Filling out the AMCAS application right now and got to the misdemeanor conviction page and froze. I'm obviously a non-trad being that I had a DUI 8+ years ago, and two others 15 years ago. Am I just kidding myself that I can get into med school? Scored 33Q on January MCAT, 4.0 GPA since returning to school. Should I give up now? It sucks if the person I was 15 years ago keeps me from getting into med school, but I understand that I am competing against a whole bunch of people with unblemished records. Any thoughts, I'll appreciate any feedback.

So you first got caught driving drunk 15 years ago, then went 6+ years before getting caught again. Now it's been another 8 years. If I were evaluating your app, it would take a lot to convince me to take a risk on that history. Other than time, can you point to anything that might reassure adcoms that this won't come up again?

And what else have you been doing in the last 15 years? Or the last 8? Other than some decent numbers, what is there in your story that admissions committees will be drawn to?

 

[image187]

it may be a good idea to check the statute of limitations on this, maybe you only need to report misdemeanors through the last 7 years. Definitely try to find a loophole of you can, and good luck to you.

I love how this turned into an ethical debate by the way lol

 

[JaggerPlate]

Worry about getting a medical license with 3 DUIs. It's my understanding that states aren't happy with multiple DUIs and physicians. You could be stuck up **** creek here, to be honest. I'd try to call and admission at a school anonymously and ask. You're only potential saving grace will be the duration of time since, and your recent maturity shown in school/MCAT. Either way, be prepared to talk about it because you will need to report it on AMCAS unless they are expunged. And quit getting DUIs.

 

[JaggerPlate]

it may be a good idea to check the statute of limitations on this, maybe you only need to report misdemeanors through the last 7 years. Definitely try to find a loophole of you can, and good luck to you.

I love how this turned into an ethical debate by the way lol

It always does. I doubt anyone will argue the danger and foolishness of driving drunk though. It's kinda hard to make the 'pro' argument.