I've been avoiding dealing with this issue in public for quite some time, but I've run out of options. So, here's my situation:
I'm a third time applicant. My first two attempts were with a miserable BCMP=3.0, GPA=3.4 and MCAT=25. I have since done a special masters program and retook my mcat: GPA=3.6 MCAT=29. I also have great recommendations, 5+publications, 6 years of research experience, grant writing experience, etc etc etc. I'm also taking a job in research at one of the schools I am applying to.
I have since met with admissions directors at schools I am interested in and they have responded positively. Unfortunately, there's a lingering question: During my freshman year, I got popped with 2 on-campus alcohol violations. At the beginning of my junior year, I was caught smoking a joint. No police, just $30 fines. I've never had any ethical violations...hell, I've never gotten a speeding ticket. When I first applied, I asked the advisor if I should mention these and he said no, so I didn't. Next application, same deal.
Now I find myself with a real chance for the first time, and I am worried about whether I should mention them. I now have a new advisor and she said she didn't know. She met with the dean of students who said the following: "We very, very rarely have schools ask for these records. In fact, I can't remember the last time one did."
Long story short, my concern is that if I mention these issue that first, three violations don't strike me as major, and second that schools that I have previously applied to will raise an alarm when they discover that I haven't mentioned these issues in the past. I would take the risk except that the school where I have my best chance, there are students who know me and know the details of the incidents. That being said, I don't know if current students are asked about details of applicants past.
I'm a third time applicant. My first two attempts were with a miserable BCMP=3.0, GPA=3.4 and MCAT=25. I have since done a special masters program and retook my mcat: GPA=3.6 MCAT=29. I also have great recommendations, 5+publications, 6 years of research experience, grant writing experience, etc etc etc. I'm also taking a job in research at one of the schools I am applying to.
I have since met with admissions directors at schools I am interested in and they have responded positively. Unfortunately, there's a lingering question: During my freshman year, I got popped with 2 on-campus alcohol violations. At the beginning of my junior year, I was caught smoking a joint. No police, just $30 fines. I've never had any ethical violations...hell, I've never gotten a speeding ticket. When I first applied, I asked the advisor if I should mention these and he said no, so I didn't. Next application, same deal.
Now I find myself with a real chance for the first time, and I am worried about whether I should mention them. I now have a new advisor and she said she didn't know. She met with the dean of students who said the following: "We very, very rarely have schools ask for these records. In fact, I can't remember the last time one did."
Long story short, my concern is that if I mention these issue that first, three violations don't strike me as major, and second that schools that I have previously applied to will raise an alarm when they discover that I haven't mentioned these issues in the past. I would take the risk except that the school where I have my best chance, there are students who know me and know the details of the incidents. That being said, I don't know if current students are asked about details of applicants past.