ADCOM HELP! What are schools looking for when stating a misdemeanor in the past?

[NeuroPA]

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With the allotted space, should examples of rehabilitation, context of the crime, and remorse be focused? Or should crime specifics be elaborated in detail? I don't want to sound too vague or provide too much detail if need be.

 

[NeuroPA]

This is with regard to primary applications by the way.

 

[Alienman52]

With the allotted space, should examples of rehabilitation, context of the crime, and remorse be focused? Or should crime specifics be elaborated in detail? I don't want to sound too vague or provide too much detail if need be.

I would describe the nature of the misdemeanor without going into extreme detail. I would then spend the rest of the allotted characters explaining how you have learned from this incident, taken responsibility for your actions, and have improved yourself. Exactly how much detail you should give about the actual incident depends on how serious the crime was, and how much space is allotted for explanation. If you decide to go into detail, don't make excuses, and as I mentioned, be sure to explain how you have bettered yourself by learning from what happened.

Edit: I would also defer to @Goro 's advice.

 

[Goro]

With the allotted space, should examples of rehabilitation, context of the crime, and remorse be focused? Or should crime specifics be elaborated in detail? I don't want to sound too vague or provide too much detail if need be.

1) We were all young and stupid once, so things done prior to the age of 20 are viewed differently to things done > 20, which is about the age some of us start to think that you should have known better.
2) Alcohol and pot violations (as in possession of, or beer in your dorm room) are minor. Even a DUI can be forgiven.
3) A one time thing is usually OK, depending upon what it is. Multiple offenses are not. We do not want students who fail to learn from their mistakes, or think that rules don't apply to them
4) Crimes against property are viewed in a different light than crimes against persons
5) One needs to own the transgression and NOT make excuses.
6) The longer the period between application and the offense, the better, especially if one has occupied positions of responsibility.
7) Explanations can be brief..."When I was 20, I stole a sandwich from the local deli. I was caught and sentenced to X, and ...make comments about what you learned and what a good boy/girl you've been since then".

If you are uncomfortable describing what you did, PM me.