Students need to work twice as hard in their senior year of high school if they want to get into a good college. It’s because it takes more than good grades and solid recommendations to gain admission to a reputable university these days.
Most institutions now conduct background checks to reduce the applicant pool. Because institutions have standards to uphold, any minor offenses can result in immediate rejection. Unfortunately, students who have a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction may face difficulty being accepted.
What is a DWI?
A DWI conviction in the Lone Star State indicates that an individual was found driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. People often use DWI and DUI interchangeably. However, the state of Texas makes use of DWI and only issues a DUI to minors.
Do you need to disclose your DWI?
No law explicitly requires people to disclose their previous criminal convictions, such as a DWI, while applying for college or a job. Still, it is best to do so when asked.
College admission forms often include a section to inquire whether the applicant has ever committed a crime. Since schools can utilize different background check tools, lying or failing to disclose a DWI could jeopardize an application. Furthermore, if the school discovers a conviction later after accepting the applicant, the student could lose their spot.
Not all is lost: Rebuilding your reputation
The admissions process to prestigious universities like those in the Ivy League is notoriously difficult and demanding. However, hopeful students still have a chance if they play their cards right.
Even with a misdemeanor like DWI, an aspiring student can still be a prime candidate by demonstrating remorse for their actions, maintaining high grades, scoring very well on standardized tests and engaging in outstanding extracurricular activities.
Making mistakes is normal at this age, but the repercussions may be long-lasting. Aspiring college students still have a lot of years ahead of them. If a high school senior is facing DWI charges, they may want to speak with an attorney about possible options for moving forward.