Having a DUI... will it hurt my chances?

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Having a DUI... will it hurt my chances?

by DownsJM1 » Thu Jan 08, 2009 11:51 am
Hello,

So I've applied to a few schools and have one more app to go. I am applying to Wharton, Duke, and Arizona State, to each of their respective finance programs. But I am getting concerned.. I got a misdemeanor DUI last summer... blew a 0.09 (0.08 is the legal limit). It's still pending, so I can say that I haven't been convicted of a crime (it was my first criminal offense), but ASU and Duke ask if I've ever been arrested for anything, and I know not to lie.

Here is my background..

710 on GMATs... Q48, V40, 6.0 AWA

BS in biochemistry from a small but tough private school... only a 3.03 GPA though.

Interesting work record... 4 years in a couple different labs, 6 months in capital sales, and now I'm a day trader of currencies, which is what I'm looking to pursue in business school.

Decent recommendations from my last two employers.

I'm confident with the essays.. I think I'm a pretty solid writer, and my AWA score seems to reflect that.


I guess my question is... should I be concerned? I already consider Wharton to be a bit of a long shot... have felt good about Duke, and have seen ASU as a bit of a back-up. But I'm having second thoughts about this whole DUI thing. I made sure to put a note in saying that I have learned my lessons, and have made the necessary life changes to ensure that this never happens again. I really hope that one bad judgment wont really screw up my future, however.
700+ or bust.
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by beatthegmat » Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:35 am
I think that as long as you can explain your mistake and what you learned from it, you should be fine. We all make mistakes!
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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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by DownsJM1 » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:37 pm
beatthegmat wrote:I think that as long as you can explain your mistake and what you learned from it, you should be fine. We all make mistakes!
If I can get to the interview phase, great... but I guess my concern is that the apps only gave me 250 CHARACTERS to explain it. Not enough space.

But fair enough. Thanks!
700+ or bust.