Petty Theft

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Over 5 years ago as a freshman I stole 13 dollars worth of items for a school project. Was the first and last time I ever did something like this. I have been ashamed of my self for it ever since. Looking back I am appalled at my immoral and criminal actions. Since then I have done nothing but good for my self and my community. I got a deferred sentence and the case was dismissed and record sealed. I know I will have to own this in some secondaries, and I have no problem doing so. I am 2 years out of college and a non trad student. Will the time from this event ease the damage to my application?
Possibly, if you get a screener who believes in redemption. I trust that you've led an exemplary life since then?

If you don't apply, your rejection rate will be 100%.
 
Nothing but good since then. Grades improved drastically. Started getting involved in research and volunteering. Didn't actually decide to try for medical school until my senior year. I'm hoping I can plead my case for redemption.
 
Don't think that is an option! It will come up during board licencing regardless of where I am. I assume it is better to be on the same page from day one if given an acceptance.
 
Does any one have any more advice for me?
 
Let me be clear: you have nothing to report. You had an arrest and then the case was dismissed. You do not have a conviction of any crime. There is nothing, repeat, nothing that you need to report to AMCAS. The record is sealed and you can reasonably make the decision that even if asked about an arrest, you could leave this off as it violate the spirit and intent of sealing the case. Alternatively, you could report arrest for petty theft but case was dismissed. Again, there is nothing to report here

Misdemeanor

You must indicate whether you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime, excluding 1) any offense for which you were adjudicated as a juvenile, 2) any convictions which have been expunged or sealed by a court, or 3) any misdemeanor convictions for which any probation has been completed and the case dismissed by the court (in states where applicable)

I understand that for the AMCAS I don't have to report anything. But some schools ask about deferred sentences in secondaries and the arrest question. Also it will have to come up during licensing and thus could come back and bite you if it was not disclosed initially I thought?
 
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Some schools ask about deferred sentences I know. Also it will have to come up during licensing and thus could come back and bite you if it was not disclosed initially I thought?

I know of a physician who had a parole officer while in undergrad (was jailed for civil rights activism) and another who had an outstanding warrant for her arrest due to anti-war activities. The latter had to make explanations for years to the licensing board but never got denied a license. Dont' get hung up about licensing; your record will not be a big deal.
 
I know someone that got arrested for petty theft like a year ago, their mugshot is still available online, but that person recently got an MD acceptance this cycle, so idk how much it matters
 
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