Background Checks

[nk1981]

I am applying to four top 20 schools and I am wondering if most schools do criminal background checks. I am concerned about a DUI arrest I had two years ago.
Should I address this arrest in my application if not specifically asked about it?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear nk1981,

The question is were you convicted of a DUI--if you were arrested but the charges were dropped, then you do not need to disclose it. If you were convicted (either by guilty plea or in trial), then it is better to disclose it as all schools generally ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime. Schools do not usually do thorough background checks on all applicants, but might on someone they believe raises questions.

Good luck,
Lisa

[nk1981]

Lisa,

Thanks for the advice. I pleaded "no contest", so it is on my record as a conviction. Does this conviction seriously hurt my chances of acceptance?

If I have essays questions that are "what mistakes have you made essays" should I use this as an opportunity to address the DUI and what I learned and how I have matured?

What typically "raises questions" in an application that would lead a school to do a background check?

Thanks for your help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear nk1981,

I do think you should disclose your conviction. There is usually a small text box where you will explain what your conviction is for and how that is not going to be an issue. A DUI is not a deal breaker as long as you are convincing that you don't have a drinking problem now. If you had been convicted of a violent crime, then that might be different and would probably warrant a criminal background check. Schools will also do a background check if they believe something in your application to be fraudulent, like you wrote your own recommendation letters.

I do think your story on what you learned from the DUI could make a compelling essay; just remember to focus on how you have changed and what you learned from the experience, not give details on how the DUI happened. Everyone makes mistakes when they are young--what is important is what you learned from them.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[mmmba]

You can look up the university admissions policy. Usually they are pretty liberal on criminal records, if you meet their other requirements, so you might as well be honest about your DUI. Typically they are mainly concerned about crimes of violence, GMAT, or drugs. If you want a combined degree like a JD/MBA, then you also have to meet the law school requirements. You can also run a background check on yourself. Just go the county government website, or the state attorney general's website. Unless the university asks for fingerprints, your criminal record will not show up in a different state. Private companies often give much more background search information such as phone number, address history, criminal record, law suits, tax liens, property ownership, GMAT offender registry, terrorist watch list.

[Angus1609]

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