Help with disclosing an institutional action :/

[pugsandstuff]

Hey everyone, so long story short I'm a bit of an idiot and didn't realize I had an IA until this morning... after my primary and multiple completed secondaries had been sent out. I contacted my university to confirm, contacted the AAMC, and contacted each of the programs I have applied to to get their school-specific directions on how to disclose. Now I need some help with what I'm actually going to write to each school.

A rundown of the situation: freshman year I was found showering with a male friend. We were not doing anything sexual, but because it was an all-girls dorm, I was found responsible for "indecent conduct" and "failure to control guest". I only met with the head RA of my building, did not have a judiciary hearing or get notice from the dean, and just had to write a short essay as a substituted sanction. I get that I was in the wrong and have never had any actions against me since, but it was minor and over three years ago, so I honestly did not remember it until browsing reddit last night and saw someone talking about their minor IA.

My question then is how in-depth should I go during my explanation of the incident? How do I say that it honestly didn't cross my mind during primaries without making it sound like I'm brushing it off? And finally, any guidance for how long this essay should be?

I would love some input from fellow applicants that have done an IA essay and adcoms. Thanks!

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[Dr. Faust]

For any IA it is best to be honest. To me this IA does not seem nearly as serious as cheating or a drug charge.

 

[Cornfed101]

I haven't done an IA essay, but I had a few traffic misdemeanors. Just keep it short and sweet. Own it, reflect on what you learned. I have to admit it is kind of funny being called "failure to control guest" like he was a wild dog in your building haha.

You're good as long as you own it and reflect on it. Just don't apply to Loma Linda

 

[pugsandstuff]

@Goro @LizzyM any suggestions on the correct way to phrase all this?

 

[Goro]

Hey everyone, so long story short I'm a bit of an idiot and didn't realize I had an IA until this morning... after my primary and multiple completed secondaries had been sent out. I contacted my university to confirm, contacted the AAMC, and contacted each of the programs I have applied to to get their school-specific directions on how to disclose. Now I need some help with what I'm actually going to write to each school.

A rundown of the situation: freshman year I was found showering with a male friend. We were not doing anything sexual, but because it was an all-girls dorm, I was found responsible for "indecent conduct" and "failure to control guest". I only met with the head RA of my building, did not have a judiciary hearing or get notice from the dean, and just had to write a short essay as a substituted sanction. I get that I was in the wrong and have never had any actions against me since, but it was minor and over three years ago, so I honestly did not remember it until browsing reddit last night and saw someone talking about their minor IA.

My question then is how in-depth should I go during my explanation of the incident? How do I say that it honestly didn't cross my mind during primaries without making it sound like I'm brushing it off? And finally, any guidance for how long this essay should be?

I would love some input from fellow applicants that have done an IA essay and adcoms. Thanks!

Explain it and own it. Do NOT say "this was minor."

 

[pugsandstuff]

Explain it and own it. Do NOT say "this was minor."

Definitely will not say that. Do you think I should just come right out and say I was showering with a dude or is that too blunt?

 

[907914]

I will modify my cat IA essay for you:

In (month) of (year), I was found to have my man, (insert name) in university housing without prior approval. I had to write an essay. After which, I got to keep my man, (insert name).

This IA is about as serious as my cat IA. Treat it as such.

 

[deleted993098]

Do you know what the IA exactly says on your record? Maybe you can just copy that.