entrance with a misdemeanor

[bjw181]

will a DWI misdemeanor prevent me from getting into grad school? I currently go to Baylor University...have outstanding grades...and plan to go to Baylor grad school.

[margo]

No way. You'll be fine. First of all, the schools don't run criminal background checks. Even if they did, a DWI misdemeanor wouldn't be the kind of thing they're looking for.

margo

If anything, talking about turning you life around in your personal statement might be a good idea! To go from DWI to success in school is absolutely outstanding and admirable!

[JC]

judgement call maybe. But I wouldn't mention it. I don't think it does anything for you. And if its not helpful, don't put it in.

Originally Posted by JC

judgement call maybe. But I wouldn't mention it. I don't think it does anything for you. And if its not helpful, don't put it in.

It seems like if you can show a dramatic, positive turn around in your personal life, it proves that you have motivation, perseverance, and a passion for doing something meaningful with your life. There is not one graduate admissions commitee that would scoff at these attributes - motivation, passion, and perserverance are EXACTLY the kinds of characteristics that are required of graduate students, regardless of the department/program. If you do choose to include this information about your past (and I definitely would), be sure to emphasize the positive aspects (how you have overcome difficulty, how it has made you into the person you are today, as opposed to giving them a sob story), and definitely keep it concise (they want you to talk most about your goals/aspirations, and less about your personal life/history).