I am applying to Vanderbilt and am deciding what to answer on 2 of their character and fitness questions and whether it'll affect my admissions chances.
For this question "Have you ever, either as an adult or minor, been charged with or convicted of any crime, or charged with or found to have committed any offense (whether or not defined as a crime), or received anything other than an honorable discharge from the military? You should answer "yes" even if charges were dismissed or deferred; a conviction was expunged, sealed, or otherwise required by law or ordered by a court to be kept confidential; you received a pardon/commutation; your civil rights have been restored; or you received legal advice that the offense will not appear on your criminal record."
I got a speeding ticket once and pled no lo contendere to get it wiped. Do I answer yes to this question? I imagine it won't affect my chances at admissions too much.
Then on this question "Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action for any academic or behavioral misconduct or violation of an honor or ethical code, or are you currently under investigation or in an appeal process for any academic or behavioral misconduct or violation of an honor or ethical code, at a current or prior academic institution? You should answer "yes" even if those matters have been dismissed or "expunged" or your current or prior academic institution would no longer report about them due to the passage of time."
In elementary school I let a kid copy my homework before class and they got caught. I served one day of lunch detention (aka had to eat by myself) and that was it. Is this something that needs to be disclosed? Is elementary school even really an academic institution? I suspect the answer is yes, but if so how much will this affect my admissions odds?
I'm first gen so I don't really have anyone to seek advice from on this matter. Any advice appreciated!
1 comments
From the admissions perspective, I'd say:
Yes to the first. You got a speeding ticket. That generally falls under the broad umbrella of "charged with any crime." Additionally, pleading nolo contendre (no contest) would also fall under the umbrella of "you should answer 'yes' even if the charges were dismissed...." I should also note that a basic speeding ticket will NOT in ANY WAY change your admissions decision at Vandy Law. This is a minor issue and it's pretty common!
No to the second. A basic detention at the elementary or high school level doesn't rise to a CF issue.
I hope that helps!