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I know that my subject title is likely to invite plenty of abuse, having read the threads here. I understand it, and I fully expect it, but I respectfully ask that you first read my story.
Just after I turned 18, I made a mistake that changed my life: I got a DWI. I had one drink and I drove. My BAC was about 1/10 the legal limit, but NJ had a zero-tolerance policy. Not only am I NOT defending myself for my stupidity, but I'm actually thankful that I was pulled over for a routine traffic stop and caught for acting like a stupid post-adolescent teenager: it was the first and LAST time I drove with alcohol in my system. I learned my lesson. I paid dearly (financially and emotionally) for the repercussions of what I did. I was so genuinely remorseful that they didn't require me to complete the 12 hours of IRDC (Intoxicated Drivers' Resource Center) because I voluntarily signed up for treatment on my $5.15/hour salary, with no health insurance. I was disappointed in myself. Though I hadn't technically driven drunk, this incident scared me straight.
Long story short, I returned full-time to pursue my pre-medical requirements a few years ago. I am applying to medical school next June, for the 2011 cycle. According to what I've read, NJ actually still considers a DWI (underage or not) a "traffic violation" and not technically a misdemeanor. While I agree that this is reprehensible, I would like advice from anyone specifically from NJ who have any knowledge situations like mine. I've been advised that I probably don't have to disclose my DWI on the AMCAS, and I'd rather not have to do so. I made one mistake, and since then, I've worked while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.
For those who are ready to pounce on me, trust me, I FULLY understand the implications of drunk driving. I lost a close friend to a drunk driver, I've worked on a surgical trauma team, and I'm on your side. Again, I'm not making excuses for myself, but nobody would have looked at my 0.002 if I was 21 and not 18. And at that, I'm totally behind the laws that catch underage kids like I was before they do something FAR worse.
For those who are willing to understand my situation, do you have advice as to how I should handle this? Thanks in advance for your help.
Just after I turned 18, I made a mistake that changed my life: I got a DWI. I had one drink and I drove. My BAC was about 1/10 the legal limit, but NJ had a zero-tolerance policy. Not only am I NOT defending myself for my stupidity, but I'm actually thankful that I was pulled over for a routine traffic stop and caught for acting like a stupid post-adolescent teenager: it was the first and LAST time I drove with alcohol in my system. I learned my lesson. I paid dearly (financially and emotionally) for the repercussions of what I did. I was so genuinely remorseful that they didn't require me to complete the 12 hours of IRDC (Intoxicated Drivers' Resource Center) because I voluntarily signed up for treatment on my $5.15/hour salary, with no health insurance. I was disappointed in myself. Though I hadn't technically driven drunk, this incident scared me straight.
Long story short, I returned full-time to pursue my pre-medical requirements a few years ago. I am applying to medical school next June, for the 2011 cycle. According to what I've read, NJ actually still considers a DWI (underage or not) a "traffic violation" and not technically a misdemeanor. While I agree that this is reprehensible, I would like advice from anyone specifically from NJ who have any knowledge situations like mine. I've been advised that I probably don't have to disclose my DWI on the AMCAS, and I'd rather not have to do so. I made one mistake, and since then, I've worked while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.
For those who are ready to pounce on me, trust me, I FULLY understand the implications of drunk driving. I lost a close friend to a drunk driver, I've worked on a surgical trauma team, and I'm on your side. Again, I'm not making excuses for myself, but nobody would have looked at my 0.002 if I was 21 and not 18. And at that, I'm totally behind the laws that catch underage kids like I was before they do something FAR worse.
For those who are willing to understand my situation, do you have advice as to how I should handle this? Thanks in advance for your help.
