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[plopplop123]

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I have a dismissal for a disorderly persons offense on my background check that i am in the process of filing expungement for. I did a conditional dismissal program. It’s from 2019 when i was 18. Fully dismissed in 2020. Because of the dismissal i have no conviction and no plea. My school is using certiphi for their background check. Primary only asked if i was convicted of a felony/misdemeanor and I answered truthfully which is no. I am accepted now and the disclosure forms asks if I have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to a crime, misdemeanor or other offense? Technically the answer is no. But should i tell the school anyway where it asks to explain if you answer yes to the question because I’m pretty sure it will show up on Certiphi. (I ran a background check on myself with Goodhire and it shows the arrest and conditional dismissal but it hasn’t shown up on castlebranch or first advantage) i don’t want it to be an issue after the school sees it on my background check. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[plopplop123]

@GoSpursGo

 

[plopplop123]

@Med Ed @Goro saw u guys help someone else out

 

[plopplop123]

@Mr.Smile12

 

[plopplop123]

@LizzyM

 

[LunaOri]

It’s always better to disclose, and this is not the sort of offense that will hurt your application. Just give a brief explanation, take ownership of the issue (don’t blame anyone else) and show that you have been mature and responsible since the event.

 

[GoSpursGo]

@LunaOri they’re already apparently accepted 🙂

I think you check no because that is true. Then if you want to disclose the arrest that’s fine but I don’t think you need to. They investigated and found that there was not sufficient evidence you broke the law, or it didn’t warrant prosecution. The school doesn’t have any business punishing you for something that isn’t even a thing.

 

[plopplop123]

It’s always better to disclose, and this is not the sort of offense that will hurt your application. Just give a brief explanation, take ownership of the issue (don’t blame anyone else) and show that you have been mature and responsible since the event.

It’s from shoplifting as a high schooler. Idk if that makes a difference e

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Safest approach is to disclose but mention the charges were dismissed (as you have described, but make sure if anyone with a little legal background confirms you're describing the technicalities properly). Better if you confirm that the dismissal is because you were a minor.

 

[plopplop123]

Safest approach is to disclose but mention the charges were dismissed (as you have described, but make sure if anyone with a little legal background confirms you're describing the technicalities properly). Better if you confirm that the dismissal is because you were a minor.

i was 18!

 

[plopplop123]

Safest approach is to disclose but mention the charges were dismissed (as you have described, but make sure if anyone with a little legal background confirms you're describing the technicalities properly). Better if you confirm that the dismissal is because you were a minor.

Do u think i will be ok

 

[LizzyM]

You'll be okay but the first rule of medicine is "no surprises" (See Forgive and Remember, a book written by a sociologist years ago about how surgical attendings and trainees work as a group-- always be preemptive in sharing information about an error with your leader before the leader finds out through other channels).

Just write to them, "In an effort to be completely transparent, I an writing to report that I have a dismissal for a disorderly persons offense on my background check that i am in the process of filing expungement for. This offense occurred in 2019 when I was 18 years old and in high school. I did a conditional dismissal program. Fully dismissed in 2020. Because of the dismissal i have no conviction and no plea but this might show up on my background check."

 

[plopplop123]

I want to be honest and forth coming about my past mistakes. I was not convicted, did not plead guilty or no contest. In 2019, I was charged with a disorderly persons offense in (town). The mater was formally dismissed on 10/19/2020. It is currently in process of being expunged. @LizzyM this is what i wrote. Is this okay? And will they look favorably on this because i disclosed even if technically i didn’t need to?

 

[LizzyM]

I want to be honest and forth coming about my past mistakes. I was not convicted, did not plead guilty or no contest. In 2019, I was charged with a disorderly persons offense in (town). The mater was formally dismissed on 10/19/2020. It is currently in process of being expunged. @LizzyM this is what i wrote. Is this okay? And will they look favorably on this because i disclosed even if technically i didn’t need to?

That looks fine and goes along with the "no surprises" recommendation. When the background check doesn't match the disclosures in the application, some poor clerical worker has to flag it and bring it to the Dean of Admissions. With the pre-emptive disclosure, it will be evident why there is a mismatch and all will be well.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I think you're worrying about nothing 🙂

In any event, if you want to disclose, I think either the language you listed or suggested by @LizzyM would be appropriate

 

[Med Ed]

Just follow the directions and move on.

 

[plopplop123]

I think you're worrying about nothing 🙂

In any event, if you want to disclose, I think either the language you listed or suggested by @LizzyM would be appropriate

Yea i disclosed to avoid any possible issues

 

[Med Ed]

Did you select Yes or No?

 

[plopplop123]

Did you select Yes or No?

I said no. Under that it said if yes please describe etc etc. under that i wrote “I want to be honest and forth coming about my past mistakes. I was not convicted, did not plead guilty or no contest. In 2019, I was charged with a disorderly persons offense in (town). The mater was formally dismissed on 10/19/2020. It is currently in process of being expunged.”