Hello,
In 2003 I was arrested for a DUI, and again in 2004 for driving on a suspended license, and the officers found a small amount of marijuana in my car. I did not receive a conviction for the DUI or driving on a suspended license, but I did get a minor conviction for possession of marijuana. I have not had any legal problems in the 6-7 years since these incidents occurred.
I am applying to Kellogg this week, and there is a question in the application which asks "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" However, there is no option to explain the circumstances around the crime.
I've spoken to someone familiar with Kellogg, and I was told that the marijuana conviction should not be a problem. From this forum, I gather that the DUI arrests aren't a deal-breaker either. What I'm struggling with is whether or not to explain the situation in the optional essay. I have made a lot of positive changes as a result of my arrests which could make for a strong essay, but I'm not sure that I want to draw any more attention than is needed to my mistakes. I am assuming that if Kellogg does a criminal check, that they'll see the arrests as well as the conviction.
Given that almost 7 incident-free years have passed since the arrests, will they still raise concern with an admissions committee? Is it better to explain myself or to not draw undue attention to the incidents?
Any advice, insight or comments are greatly appreciated!
In 2003 I was arrested for a DUI, and again in 2004 for driving on a suspended license, and the officers found a small amount of marijuana in my car. I did not receive a conviction for the DUI or driving on a suspended license, but I did get a minor conviction for possession of marijuana. I have not had any legal problems in the 6-7 years since these incidents occurred.
I am applying to Kellogg this week, and there is a question in the application which asks "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" However, there is no option to explain the circumstances around the crime.
I've spoken to someone familiar with Kellogg, and I was told that the marijuana conviction should not be a problem. From this forum, I gather that the DUI arrests aren't a deal-breaker either. What I'm struggling with is whether or not to explain the situation in the optional essay. I have made a lot of positive changes as a result of my arrests which could make for a strong essay, but I'm not sure that I want to draw any more attention than is needed to my mistakes. I am assuming that if Kellogg does a criminal check, that they'll see the arrests as well as the conviction.
Given that almost 7 incident-free years have passed since the arrests, will they still raise concern with an admissions committee? Is it better to explain myself or to not draw undue attention to the incidents?
Any advice, insight or comments are greatly appreciated!
