Positions that could demonstrate trust

[acamus]

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My background for this post is that in 2002 and then in 2005 I was arrested for simple possession of marijuana. On the first instance I was at a party as a HS senior and the party was busted by the police and I was (rightly) grouped in with about 4 or 5 others that were smoking and holding marijuana at the party. On the second instance I was smoking marijuana in my room and very early in the morning my roommate, who I did not know really at all, was served a warrant for not appearing at a court date, and unfortunately the police smelled marijuana coming from my room.

I have quit smoking since 2005 and don't imbibe of anything except the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Ok, now that that's been covered, what I am looking for are recommendations on how I can show that I am trustworthy as a med school applicant, when I will be applying around 2017. Specifically what I think I am looking for would be volunteer/ jobs that would show that trust has been placed in me, even if it has to be earned.

 

[nemo123]

Wait so were you convicted of anything for both incidents in 2002 and 2005? And I'm assuming both of these occurred after the age of 18?

 

[Lya]

Are there any local organizations dealing with drug addicts or smoking among young generations?

If I were you, I would say: "When I was young, I used to enjoy smoking marijuana. After being caught by police twice, I quit smoking since 2005. Then, I wanted to see if there are young people around who are addicted to smoking or drugs, and I wanted to help them recover and focus on academics through [organization name]. Whenever I saw them, I saw myself smoking marijuana at a HS party and in my room. I didn't want them to make the same mistake that I made. I helped with counseling, hoping that they will understand the immediate pleasure from smoking and drugs is not worthwhile and fulfilling to live for."

One of the ways to earn the trust that you grew up and learned your mistake from your past is to address it directly.


EDIT: I am not sure what medical professionals directly treat drug addicts, but I'm guessing social workers or psychologists are one of them. If you can find some work you can do along with them, not just shadowing but also projects, then it will be another plus. I am not saying you should be interested in mental health or addiction. I am saying this is something you can do to show that you are not that HS student anymore.

 

[kyamh]

If this happened 12+ or so years prior to your application, I don't think you need to harp on the details. Just say that you were in trouble for use and possession of marijuana when you were a teenager and have stopped participating since 2005.

Edit: to be clear, students who have gotten in trouble for alcohol don't all flock to AA volunteerism and still get accepted. I don't see why you think you need to bend over backwards to make up for a 10+ year mistake....unless you actually enjoy volunteering at those kinds of organizations 🙂

 

[ruedjgtc]

Wait so were you convicted of anything for both incidents in 2002 and 2005? And I'm assuming both of these occurred after the age of 18?

This is the most important question here. A conviction and an arrest isn't just an issue of semantics, a conviction is what matters here. If you were convicted + over 18 then doing some work with rehab or youth groups for drugs would be a good way to say you're sorry for being caught smoking weed -- though I'd phrase it better than that.

If you were under 18 the documents are sealed anyways, but you should also bring it up and show you've moved past it.

Either way, sorry you got something so silly/hypocritical on your record to deal with.

 

[smarts1]

If this happened 12+ or so years prior to your application, I don't think you need to harp on the details. Just say that you were in trouble for use and possession of marijuana when you were a teenager and have stopped participating since 2005.

Edit: to be clear, students who have gotten in trouble for alcohol don't all flock to AA volunteerism and still get accepted. I don't see why you think you need to bend over backwards to make up for a 10+ year mistake....unless you actually enjoy volunteering at those kinds of organizations 🙂

I think alcohol related issues vs marijuana issues are a little different though. Plus the OP has been caught not just once, but twice smoking marijuana by the police. We don't know whether the OP was convicted of anything, but it's going to a steep hill to climb to get into med school I would think. @LizzyM

 

[Goro]

I don't think this will be an issue at all because it was from so long ago. If the two offenses were from, say, 2009 and 2011, then I'd say you haven't learned your lesson, and the AdCom would be right harsh with you.

Also, marijuana is legal in 1-2 states, and used as medicine (rightly or wrongly) in several others. So, I cna't see it being an issue.

Any positions working with youth are a fine demonstration of trust.

My background for this post is that in 2002 and then in 2005 I was arrested for simple possession of marijuana. On the first instance I was at a party as a HS senior and the party was busted by the police and I was (rightly) grouped in with about 4 or 5 others that were smoking and holding marijuana at the party. On the second instance I was smoking marijuana in my room and very early in the morning my roommate, who I did not know really at all, was served a warrant for not appearing at a court date, and unfortunately the police smelled marijuana coming from my room.

I have quit smoking since 2005 and don't imbibe of anything except the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Ok, now that that's been covered, what I am looking for are recommendations on how I can show that I am trustworthy as a med school applicant, when I will be applying around 2017. Specifically what I think I am looking for would be volunteer/ jobs that would show that trust has been placed in me, even if it has to be earned.

 

[LizzyM]

Most of the adcom members and deans of admissions went to school in the 1960s-80s. How many of them do you think had contact with marijuana while in HS and/or college? Do you think we might actually read your application and say, "there but for the grace of God..." ? Given the number of years that have passed, I think you may not have anything to worry about.

 

[mk04447]

We don't know what state or if there are convictions but, I'm assuming a misdemeanor has been recorded since you wrote this post OP. Odds are if you were in or near high school age and you haven't habitually offended since, you should be able to hire an attorney locally that handles criminal upgrades. It will typically cost you $4k (high side, probably much less) to have it buried, dismissed, forgiven, waived, or whatever else that state allows. With the right representation you should be able to recover from this.

But... If you are looking to cover the event up with some philanthropic work experience forget it. You fell in the mud, clean yourself off and just tell the truth; we all fall down sometime.

 

[acamus]

Thanks to all for all the truly great advise. I think what I will do now is to simply state my details of what happened in my applications in a couple years. Perhaps I will try and do volunteer work with youth but Im not sure yet.

I don't think there were any convictions. I received Pre-trail intervention on both cases and they have been expunged from my record. Of course both incidents must be disclosed, still I think now that I will be in ok shape though.

 

[ruedjgtc]

"You must inform the Admissions Office of each medical school to which you apply if you are convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to, a Misdemeanor crime after the date of your submission of this application and prior to your medical school matriculation. Your communication to each medical school must be in writing, and must occur within ten (10) business days of the occurrence of the criminal charge or conviction."

https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2010/WebApp/Help/WebHelp/Misdemeanor.htm

 

[mk04447]

Thanks to all for all the truly great advise. I think what I will do now is to simply state my details of what happened in my applications in a couple years. Perhaps I will try and do volunteer work with youth but Im not sure yet.

I don't think there were any convictions. I received Pre-trail intervention on both cases and they have been expunged from my record. Of course both incidents must be disclosed, still I think now that I will be in ok shape though.

This sounds like an adolescent diversion program... if in fact they allowed you to repent, complete community service, undergo counseling, or something else in exchange for dismissal and this postponed an arraignment indefinitely, you may not even be required to disclose the event. Before you go stepping into something like youngsters tend to do in situations like this, I'd pay $200 for a consultation with a criminal attorney. They will be able to request the case status and... if in fact you didn't plea, no contest or otherwise, there is no criminal disposition and therefore isn't what AMCAS, medical schools, or state licensing boards are asking for.

In other words, don't assume anything... find out before you put your foot in your mouth unnecessarily.

 

[LizzyM]

Read the instructions for the AMCAS thoroughly. Report that which must be reported (it varies by state). Consult a lawyer if you aren't sure. Be assured that this is not expected to be more than a speed bump in the road to medical school for you.

 

[ZuluHotel]

Thanks to all for all the truly great advise. I think what I will do now is to simply state my details of what happened in my applications in a couple years. Perhaps I will try and do volunteer work with youth but Im not sure yet.

I don't think there were any convictions. I received Pre-trail intervention on both cases and they have been expunged from my record. Of course both incidents must be disclosed, still I think now that I will be in ok shape though.

That's great, my understanding is that if it's not on your record and you were never "convicted of, plead guilty, or no contest" to any crime then you don't have to report it on your AAMC at all. I remember some secondaries asked for more, like if you've ever been arrested, so you might have to report it there. Either way it's a minor blip from a long time ago and shouldn't raise many eyebrows.