Set up for failure?

[broncogal12]

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Last summer I received a MIC (minor in consumption of alcohol). Stupidest moment of my life. I'm not one to follow, but I try to lead as a good example. Obviously it was a lapse in judgment that day for me. So here I am a year later and I'm applying to vet school. With this on my record, what are my chances of even getting an interview?? Anyone with ideas or experience with this?

 

[HopefulAg]

No idea. Sorry can't help with that. What kind of charge is it? Misdemeanor?

I think you only have to declare felonies, not sure.

I wouldn't feel too bad. Probably most people here have consumed alcohol as a minor, you just got caught doing it. I'm sure if you let the adcoms know it was a stupid mistake they could look past it. We've all done stupid ****.

 

[KGemma]

Can you get it expunged? I know Missouri allows that to be expunged under certain conditions, but I don't know about other schools.

 

[broncogal12]

Yeah it's a misdemeanor and unfortunately the app asks for both felonies and misdemeanors. I'm hoping they'll look past it... Do you think it would be a good idea to explain more than the charge-what I learned from it and so on- on the vmca app, or only if asked about it?

 

[HopefulAg]

IIRC there's an explanation section under the check box/radio bubbles, so yes, I'd do that.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Yeah it's a misdemeanor and unfortunately the app asks for both felonies and misdemeanors. I'm hoping they'll look past it... Do you think it would be a good idea to explain more than the charge-what I learned from it and so on- on the vmca app, or only if asked about it?

First off, I would talk to the adcoms of some of the schools you are applying to about this. Unless someone here has first hand experience you are really rolling the dice listening to our opinions.

Having said that, if you say NOTHING about it, and don't talk to the adcoms, if I was the adcom I would throw your app in the garbage. It probably isn't a big deal, but it does need to be addressed.

If adcoms wanted to exclude students who drink there would be an awful lot of empty vet schools based on my limited experience.

Good luck.

 

[MSUspartan]

Yeah it's a misdemeanor and unfortunately the app asks for both felonies and misdemeanors. I'm hoping they'll look past it... Do you think it would be a good idea to explain more than the charge-what I learned from it and so on- on the vmca app, or only if asked about it?

honestly, i wouldn't address it. it probably won't be a big deal (a TON of people get those around here...though i go to a 'party-school'...) and you don't want to make it a bigger deal than it needs to be by discussing it. if the adcoms have questions they'll ask you in an interview.

 

[jpeterman13]

honestly, i wouldn't address it. it probably won't be a big deal (a TON of people get those around here...though i go to a 'party-school'...) and you don't want to make it a bigger deal than it needs to be by discussing it. if the adcoms have questions they'll ask you in an interview.

IMO, it definitely needs to be addressed. If you don't address it, and they find out, then it will look like you're trying to pull a fast one--esp. since it was relatively recent. I don't think that that would be terribly helpful to your application. But the adcoms know that we are all human, I wouldn't think that it will be a huge deal. I'd definitely call the schools you're applying to individually and ask. I'm sure it's come up many times before.

 

[sunnyshine]

I would definitely address this issue. Just explain what happened and tell the adcoms what you learned. If anything I think they should respect you for being able to admit that you were wrong. You could risk not addressing the issue at all but then you would have to worry about someone finding out down the road - and what a mess that would be. Don't beat yourself up, it is a minor offense and, as was already mentioned, we have all done dumb stuff before.

 

[MSUspartan]

IMO, it definitely needs to be addressed. If you don't address it, and they find out, then it will look like you're trying to pull a fast one--esp. since it was relatively recent. I don't think that that would be terribly helpful to your application. But the adcoms know that we are all human, I wouldn't think that it will be a huge deal. I'd definitely call the schools you're applying to individually and ask. I'm sure it's come up many times before.

by 'not addressing' it i didn't mean hiding it...definitely put it on the app where it asks for criminal record or whatever, but i wouldn't necessarily talk about it in the personal statement/explanation statement/etc.

also you need to be sure you don't sound silly if you do decide to explain it. i mean, a lot of people get MIP's but the reason is mostly "i was at a party that got busted by the cops". you need to figure out a way to explain what happened without sounding like that...definitely talk about what you learned from it.

 

[VeganSoprano]

I think it's better to find out how the schools would prefer it to be handled by calling them individually. As others have said, it's highly unlikely to be a big deal at all.

 

[frozen_canadian]

IMHO if a school does not accept you based on this, then you don't want to go there anyway...
(and not to hijack the thread, but when will the US finally lower the legal age to 18 like every other civilized nation??)

 

[HopefulAg]

(and not to hijack the thread, but when will the US finally lower the legal age to 18 like every other civilized nation??)

Actually I think most other countries have it at 16. It used to be 18 in the states, but then they raised it to 21.

IMO it does more harm than good. The forbidden fruit always tastes sweeter.

Especially if you mix it with something.

 

[168135]

In my province, it's 19. I couldn't imagine it being 18.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Actually I think most other countries have it at 16. It used to be 18 in the states, but then they raised it to 21.

IMO it does more harm than good. The forbidden fruit always tastes sweeter.

Especially if you mix it with something.

In Japan you can buy beer from vending machines!

 

[168135]

In Japan you can buy beer from vending machines!

In Germany, there is no drinking age. My old boss went there and she saw a 12 year old having a beer on the side of the street. She stayed with some friends and their whole family had wine with dinner. Since there is no drinking age, there isn't really a "thrill" to it... like drinking underage or when you become of age here.

 

[PrimalMU]

In Germany, there is no drinking age. My old boss went there and she saw a 12 year old having a beer on the side of the street. She stayed with some friends and their whole family had wine with dinner. Since there is no drinking age, there isn't really a "thrill" to it... like drinking underage or when you become of age here.

Actually, the drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer, 18 for liquor. You can drink either at 14 if you are with your parents. That's only for public drinking, of course. From what I remember from my German class (the professor was German), they are somewhat lax about the drinking age if parents are present.

The lack of "thrill" has more to do with beer drinking being such an ingrained part of German culture, not the low drinking age.

 

[Coquette22]

In my province, it's 19. I couldn't imagine it being 18.

In most of Canada, it's 19. To my knowledge, it's only Quebec and Alberta where it's 18. I wish they'd standardize it though. Pick one age and at that age, in the entire country, you're legally an adult and can drink, smoke, vote, get married, etc. [/hijack]

 

[168135]

Actually, the drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer, 18 for liquor. You can drink either at 14 if you are with your parents. That's only for public drinking, of course. From what I remember from my German class (the professor was German), they are somewhat lax about the drinking age if parents are present.

The lack of "thrill" has more to do with beer drinking being such an ingrained part of German culture, not the low drinking age.

My boss lied to me. I'm not surprised. She was pretty mean.

 

[PrimalMU]

My boss lied to me. I'm not surprised. She was pretty mean.

😆

 

[Freddie12]

I completely agree with startingovervet. Definitely address it. I am pretty sure everything in the felony / misdemeanor category gets noticed. I don't think it damages your chances that much if you show maturity in addressing the issue.

 

[CalicoCate]

The advisors at my school recommend addressing things like that. When you address it, just be sure to say you take full responsibility for your actions and state what you have learned from it, etc.

 

[Minnerbelle]

In Japan you can buy beer from vending machines!

But the legal drinking age is 20! not that anyone checks or anything (vending machines certainly don't).

they got vending machines there for EVERYTHING man. they used to have them for everything from bouquets of flowers to used underwear (for those weird fetishy middle aged men with combovers) 😕

when i was 5 (and I had siblings aged 3, 7, and 9) my mom took all of us to a vending machine for my dad's birthday so that each of us could buy him a pack of cigarettes as a bday gift! best present ever eh?

 

[HopefulAg]

they used to have them for everything from bouquets of flowers to used underwear (for those weird fetishy middle aged men with combovers)

Que?!

I knew vending machines were a whole different beast over there but....whaaa??

 

[jpeterman13]

I just lol'ed . weirdest thing i've heard in awhile

 

[Tiktaalik]

But the legal drinking age is 20! not that anyone checks or anything (vending machines certainly don't).

they got vending machines there for EVERYTHING man. they used to have them for everything from bouquets of flowers to used underwear (for those weird fetishy middle aged men with combovers) 😕

when i was 5 (and I had siblings aged 3, 7, and 9) my mom took all of us to a vending machine for my dad's birthday so that each of us could buy him a pack of cigarettes as a bday gift! best present ever eh?

OMG, they never check.

You can get iPods, pants, and (very small) unused underwear, too.

I discovered the last one as part of a commando bath house emergency mission. Don't ask, it's top secret.

 

[twelvetigers]

I don't think we want to know anyway, Mr. Underpants.

 

[StartingoverVet]

Back to original question... found this on CSU's website:

"If I answer "yes" to the criminal history question, will this affect my chances of admission?
The members of the Veterinary Admissions Committee do not view the answers to the criminal question. This part of the application is electronically transmitted to the general admissions office at CSU and is handled according to CSU policy. If you answered "yes" to the criminal history question, a group of professionals at the university level reviews your response and essay and determines if the nature of the specific crime would affect potential admission at CSU. Based on that review, the group notifies the Dean's Office in writing as to whether your potential enrollment at the University has been approved by the University. We place a copy of the notification letter in a separate file, and it is not viewed by the members of the Admissions Committee."

Clearly a response is needed at CSU. Not sure if that can be generalized or not. Reiterate: talk to the adcoms at the schools you are applying to.

 

[HopefulAg]

"If I answer "yes" to the criminal history question, will this affect my chances of admission?
The members of the Veterinary Admissions Committee do not view the answers to the criminal question. This part of the application is electronically transmitted to the general admissions office at CSU and is handled according to CSU policy. If you answered "yes" to the criminal history question, a group of professionals at the university level reviews your response and essay and determines if the nature of the specific crime would affect potential admission at CSU. Based on that review, the group notifies the Dean's Office in writing as to whether your potential enrollment at the University has been approved by the University. We place a copy of the notification letter in a separate file, and it is not viewed by the members of the Admissions Committee."

I think that's a fair method. If the university doesn't care if you come in, then what does it matter to the vet school?

This may be shortsighted, but I can't think of a crime where the vet school would let you in but the overarching university would not, or vice versa unless the main university just likes animal abusers or some such.

 

[broncogal12]

Back to original question... found this on CSU's website:

"If I answer "yes" to the criminal history question, will this affect my chances of admission?
The members of the Veterinary Admissions Committee do not view the answers to the criminal question. This part of the application is electronically transmitted to the general admissions office at CSU and is handled according to CSU policy. If you answered "yes" to the criminal history question, a group of professionals at the university level reviews your response and essay and determines if the nature of the specific crime would affect potential admission at CSU. Based on that review, the group notifies the Dean's Office in writing as to whether your potential enrollment at the University has been approved by the University. We place a copy of the notification letter in a separate file, and it is not viewed by the members of the Admissions Committee."

Clearly a response is needed at CSU. Not sure if that can be generalized or not. Reiterate: talk to the adcoms at the schools you are applying to.

Thank you so much for all your input, i really appreciate it. i feel somewhat better 🙂

 

[that redhead]

I think the best thing to do is be honest and open about the issue. Definitely include it in the felonies/misdemeanors and use your explanation area to discuss it. However, I wouldn't say, "Well, everyone makes mistakes!" even though it's true. If you get an interview, definitely prepare to answer questions about it.

 

[Kpowell14]

ok, im bumping this thread for some advice.

As a senior in high school (18 yrs old) I left school property with a minor (17yrs old) in my car. I was almost immediately pulled over for skipping school.. And was charged with a Misdemeanor- Contributing to the Deliquency of a Minor ( bc he was not 18) 🙁. I plead guilty, went to a responsibility class, and then had this expunged from my record 2 years later. I am of course going to admit to this on my application, but im not sure as to how much detail to go into in the explanation statement. Since this incident ive had nothing more than a speeding ticket, or 2 eeeeek.
If this was expunged will still show up on the background check?
any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[nyanko]

I have no idea what to say about that kpowell except good god that is a stupid, stupid BS thing to have had happen to you and I feel really bad for you.

 

[LetItSnow]

ok, im bumping this thread for some advice.

As a senior in high school (18 yrs old) I left school property with a minor (17yrs old) in my car. I was almost immediately pulled over for skipping school.. And was charged with a Misdemeanor- Contributing to the Deliquency of a Minor ( bc he was not 18) 🙁. I plead guilty, went to a responsibility class, and then had this expunged from my record 2 years later. I am of course going to admit to this on my application, but im not sure as to how much detail to go into in the explanation statement. Since this incident ive had nothing more than a speeding ticket, or 2 eeeeek.
If this was expunged will still show up on the background check?
any advice is greatly appreciated!

You must consult someone with legal expertise in your area of jurisdiction.

I'm no legal expert (I just play one on SDN), but I am under the impression that expungement processes vary considerably. While the general concept is to seal or destroy record of the offense, it's implemented differently in different jurisdictions. That means that its availability to background checks may differ from place to place.

If in your jurisdiction it literally means the record was destroyed and will not show up, then you may have the legal right to 'act' as if it never happened. In which case I would assert that right and not report it on my application. If that's legal.

Bottom line is that you should do what's right and report it if you are legally required, and not report it if you aren't.

All of that scary sounding commentary aside - I doubt this will impact your chances of getting into vet school much. It was years ago, it was a relatively minor thing overall, you did your time (so to speak), and haven't been in trouble since. Nobody's going to care. Especially if you present it with the same tone on your app as you did here, where you didn't even hint at trying to shift responsibility to someone else. Some people try to explain why bad things aren't really their fault, which (at least for me) would raise red flags right away.

Last comment: That has got to be one of the dumbest reasons anyone's been pulled over, ever. Sucks. 🙁

 

[Kpowell14]

Last comment: That has got to be one of the dumbest reasons anyone's been pulled over, ever. Sucks. 🙁

Uggh I know right! we left to get some food, and as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot there were blue lights behind me. I was like what the heck, I wasnt speeding!!! Who knew they could just pull you over for suspicion of skipping school lol. The even more funny part was that he put us both in the back of the cop car like we were Criminals! My friend was taken back to school in the cop car and I was allowed to carry on, with ticket in hand! Now i just pray adcoms will see it as a Minor incident. bc IMO it was RIDICULOUS!

 

[zanydogz]

Uggh I know right! we left to get some food, and as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot there were blue lights behind me. I was like what the heck, I wasnt speeding!!! Who knew they could just pull you over for suspicion of skipping school lol. The even more funny part was that he put us both in the back of the cop car like we were Criminals! My friend was taken back to school in the cop car and I was allowed to carry on, with ticket in hand! Now i just pray adcoms will see it as a Minor incident. bc IMO it was RIDICULOUS!

I can't even believe they pulled you over! I agree with LIS...get some legal advice before you do anything and go from there. You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you should of reported something and didn't...that would look bad on your app.

 

[psilovethomas]

Kpowell, I know someone who is going through a similar thing. If it has been expunged from your record, there is no evidence that it ever happened so DON'T bring it up. That's the purpose of expungement😉. If you're worried, order a background check on yourself, because that's probably what the school would do if someone answered "yes" to a misdemeanor/felony.

 

[Kpowell14]

I can't even believe they pulled you over! I agree with LIS...get some legal advice before you do anything and go from there. You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you should of reported something and didn't...that would look bad on your app.

im definitely gonna look into it! Ive got a feeling that for safety sake im gonna report it and just explain the circumstances, and accept full responsibility for the most over the top criminal charge ever !!

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[StartingoverVet]

Listen to LIS... old men have smarts...

Most places expungement=did not exist. You can treat it like it never happened and no one can find out otherwise. That is kind of the point.

But, check first so you don't get yourself in more trouble. Local laws vary.


OT: This reminds me of the issue that underage boys who have sex with underage girls can be prosecuted for statutory rape in many localities (the logic being that an underage girl can never consent to have sex😕). These days with sexual crime registries, some of those underage boys have essentially had their lives ruined (I saw a report on some of them in Calif. ). Just so ridiculous.

 

[nohika]

OT: This reminds me of the issue that underage boys who have sex with underage girls can be prosecuted for statutory rape in many localities (the logic being that an underage girl can never consent to have sex😕). These days with sexual crime registries, some of those underage boys have essentially had their lives ruined (I saw a report on some of them in Calif. ). Just so ridiculous.

Unfortunately I'm guessing they keep these laws on the books due to the cases where prosecution is needed. 🙁 I see several of them with the population I work with. If they don't define underage, either, that opens up another can of worms...

 

[abbercadaver]

Listen to the old men! 🙂 Inquire about expungement in your area, and don't report it unless they say you have to.

That is freakin' dumb, by the way. I would have been so indignant!

SOV/LIS, just so you know, I have an 'old guy' in my class and I picture him as one of you guys every time I see him. He cracks me up.

 

[485501]

OT: This reminds me of the issue that underage boys who have sex with underage girls can be prosecuted for statutory rape in many localities (the logic being that an underage girl can never consent to have sex😕). These days with sexual crime registries, some of those underage boys have essentially had their lives ruined (I saw a report on some of them in Calif. ). Just so ridiculous.

In most places (at least, to the best of my understanding), the underage girls can be charged with statutory rape too, it's just that the boys are the ones who usually do get charged. I definitely know of cases where it's been the girl who got charged, though.

I think it's even more rediculous that if you're underage, take a picture of yourself naked, and send it to your significant other, you can be charged with distributing child pornography. I mean, come on now. That's just absurd.