Getting Into college, and the thing that is holding me back.?

Question

Back in 2006, I did somthing very stupid. I used to hang out with the wrong crowd, did many things that I regret. I was such a stupid teen that always took actions without thinking. Now, I'm in my senior year where i find my self filling in college applications. And I find myself comming towards the part where it says "Have you ever been convicted for violation of federal, state or municipal law, regulation or ordinance, other than minor traffic violations? If yes, please explain with dates, circumstances, etc.". Getting into this college is very important to me, and i'm afraid that in this part If I dont write it to the point where they understand my position, then i wont be able to get accept. I'm not such a great writer, as you can tell. Can someone please help me on writing this part, so It can sound good and understandable. Here some information.
My Violation was Theft By Shoplifting-Conceal.
The date on which this event happen was 11/30/2006

Sorry, I ran out of space to type the details.
The consequeces in my actions were I had to Attend SOS/Substance Abuses Workshop that deal with the negative affects of shoplifting, attend a program called Project Time that educated me about life and how decision in life can effect me, and held open with couseling and advice.

Yes, I Think I was convicted.

Thanks alot. I wish I can express how i feel into words like that. >_< How would I include the circumstances. It would be even greater if I list the consequence for my actions right? When they ask for circumstances that means list what happen? and what got me into doing it?

Answer 1

First of all, answer truthfully and mention it because they can revoke acceptance into a college if they find that you were untruthful in the application.

I think the key is to be honest and frank: own up to it and acknowledge the offence, and try to emphasize that you have matured since then. Accountability and responsibility, as well as the ability to learn from one's past errors are positive attributes, so play up that angle. If you ever interview for the college (or if you're given space on the application to elaborate), don't blame shift or dismiss the incident, etc, but admit that you were foolish and did not think of the consequences of your actions at that time. Follow this formula:

First, clearly and simply state the nature of your violation and what you had to do as penalty for it. Without too much elaboration. And again, don't play down or dismiss the incident. Just report it as it shows on your record. If they press you for more information regarding the circumstances that lead up to it, just state plainly how you described it above: fell in with the wrong crowd, acted without thinking, was foolish.

Next, state that it is something you truly and sincerely regret. Then emphasize that since then, you've realized the severity of your actions and how a single such incident can affect your future, and it was a hard but valuable lesson learned. State that, although you are not proud of this past history, it was an invaluable wake-up call and going through this ordeal/having a criminal record has helped you reevaluate what it is you want for yourself in life and what's important to you. Perhaps something along the lines of... until this incident (which put your possible acceptance to college, which you've taken for granted until now, in jeapardy) you never realized how important education was to you. You always considered it a given/took it for granted. This incident has helped reconfirm your career/future plans and desire for higher education. Because of this brush with the law, you're that much more appreciative, mature, and wiser as a person as well as dedicated to and motivated about making the most of your college experience.

Lastly, state that you would greatly appreciate the opportunity to pursue education at University of Whatever and that given the opportunity to prove yourself, you are sure that you will thrive.

Yes it sounds cheesy, but it's a formula that works for most any weakness (acknowledge, state corrective measures taken, end with optimism/humble gratitude). On paper, assuming you're given space to elaborate, do as above. During an interview, answer the question, but then follow up with what you did to make up for it/correct your faults or your lesson learned and how you grew from the experience (don't wait for them to ask). The key is to never give just a negative answer, but to tie it in with something positive that came out of it. This works not only for explaining criminal indiscretions, but during job interviews for questions like "what are your faults/weaknesses?" or "describe an incident where you didn't handle a situation too well." Also, use key words like motivate, dedicate, thrive, ambition; basically words that describe the type of student they are looking for. Use them judiciously though. You don't want to sound like you're just throwing them out without sincerity.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Kathryn has a very good point. If you were not convicted, you don't have to write anything. However, assuming you were convicted, I think you have expressed it very well. Using your words, I would say:

In 2006, I did something very stupid, and was convicted of Theft by Shoplifting - Conceal. At the time, I hung out with the wrong crowd and participated in their activities. This incident caused me to realize how damaging my actions were, and I sincerely regret and am embarrassed by them now. I am no longer friends with those individuals and would never again be involved in anything of the sort.

Answer 3

Did you get CONVICTED of the charge? Because if you were never convicted you don't have to write it down... I don't think.