Bad Record

[claydds]

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I'm applying right now for dental school. I have a pretty solid application, 3.99 GPA, lots of extra-curiculars like teaching, tutoring, research, EMT volunteering. There is a problem though. I've been in a lil' bit of alcohol related trouble. I have gotten a few minor consumptions and a minor while driving. I had previously thought that only felonies will hurt my chances, but if they run a background check and find this stuff....am I screwed. Thanks for any advice.

 

[reapply2007]

It depends on the trend, the insanity of the behavior, the type of conviction, and how recently something happened. Some schools will do a background check as a part of the admissions process and some will not. You may benefit from looking at the websites before spending too much.

Typically, I'd like to think that schools want people that look like they are capable of making good decisions in stressful situations. If you've abused alcohol and not learned from the experience it might not look good on the secondary where they ask you to explain any criminal record (except traffic tickets). However, some schools don't ask and the ones that do process it as part of your entire application.

 

[claydds]

It depends on the trend, the insanity of the behavior, the type of conviction, and how recently something happened. Some schools will do a background check as a part of the admissions process and some will not. You may benefit from looking at the websites before spending too much.

Typically, I'd like to think that schools want people that look like they are capable of making good decisions in stressful situations. If you've abused alcohol and not learned from the experience it might not look good on the secondary where they ask you to explain any criminal record (except traffic tickets). However, some schools don't ask and the ones that do process it as part of your entire application.

Thanks for the advice

 

[djeffreyt]

There is a reputation too that dentists tend to drink more than other health professionals, and while the data hasn't been conclusive one way or the other, I think dentists, and schools are aware of this reputation and too much alcoholism on your record could hurt you...just trying to be honest.

 

[syn_apse]

no worries