Misdemeanor and Personal Statement

[Dwindlin]

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Looking for some opinions. I have a misdemeanor from VA in 2005 (not a VA resident), reckless driving due to speeding (86/65). I didn't fight it (honestly at the time didn't realize I had been charged with a misdemeanor) and was found guilty in absentia, and fine was paid.

Question is should I address this in the personal statement? Or is the ERAS application section on misdemeanors enough?

 

[Sheldor]

Looking for some opinions. I have a misdemeanor from VA in 2005 (not a VA resident), reckless driving due to speeding (86/65). I didn't fight it (honestly at the time didn't realize I had been charged with a misdemeanor) and was found guilty in absentia, and fine was paid.

Question is should I address this in the personal statement? Or is the ERAS application section on misdemeanors enough?

I'd vote to leave it put of the PS. My thought would be, why draw more attention to it?

 

[mcl]

I'd vote to leave it put of the PS. My thought would be, why draw more attention to it?

Agreed. Unless this was a defining moment for you, it's best to address it very simply within the appropriate ERAS application section. I think you stated it perfectly in your post, and I doubt programs would view it as a strong negative. You should be prepared to provide a more detailed explanation to your licensing board, however, including any paperwork you might still have related to the charges and final court disposition.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I'll agree with everyone else. It's in the past. Leave it out of your PS, unless it somehow is a great story that you'd want to tell.

 

[Dwindlin]

Many thanks for the responses.