Institutional action-theft

[Turtle0223]

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Hi,

This is really embarrassing, but I have an IA on my record for stealing a pair of
headphone during freshmen year of college. I was financially difficult at the time.
I know I have made wrong decision, but I learned from my mistake and
I believe that I matured from the experience. Since the incident, I have kept up a good work.
I am 4th year in college and I am applying to medical schools this cycle.
I want to know how much this IA will hurt my chance of getting into medical schools.

 

[Turtle0223]

@gyngyn @LizzyM @Goro
I would truly appreciate your comments.
Should I even apply this cycle?

 

[piii]

It is an obvious blemish, and the vast majority of applicants won't have IAs like this on their record. But with a well articulated explanation and an otherwise stellar app, you aren't disqualified. If you are a subpar applicant and your explanation rubs people the wrong way, it could kill your chances.

 

[Turtle0223]

Thank you so much for positive replies. I feel slightly more relieved. It seems like I will apply this cycle (late June).
I have 3.9 cGPA and 4.0 sGPA from UC and average EC (some research, volunteering, honor society, TA experience). I am currently waiting for my MCAT score.
I will keep working in my lab and shadow a physician this summer (so this info won't be on primary, but on secondary application).
Say my chance was to get into medical school was 100%. What impact do you think will my IA have on my chance in terms of percentage?

 

[gyngyn]

Your only chance is to apply.
The application will not get traction at my school, but others may view it differently.

 

[bananafish94]

Thank you so much for positive replies. I feel slightly more relieved. It seems like I will apply this cycle (late June).
I have 3.9 cGPA and 4.0 sGPA from UC and average EC (some research, volunteering, honor society, TA experience). I am currently waiting for my MCAT score.
I will keep working in my lab and shadow a physician this summer (so this info won't be on primary, but on secondary application).
Say my chance was to get into medical school was 100%. What impact do you think will my IA have on my chance in terms of percentage?

I don't think it's a matter of percentage because there are so many factors involved. It will certainly have an effect but probably won't kill your chances completely, how willing they are to overlook it will depend on how qualified you are otherwise.

 

[Goro]

Your only chance will be with a long period of exemplary behavior.

But have a Plan B.

 

[Turtle0223]

Thank you.

 

[Turtle0223]

What are schools I should definitely avoid applying to?