Applying for college should be an exciting and memorable time in every young person's life. However, when you have a criminal record, applying for college can be less exciting, and more stressful. No one should have their future threatened by one mistake they made in their past. If you are getting ready to further your education, here is everything you need to know about how your criminal record may affect you:
Disclosing Your Criminal to College
While the majority of schools do not have a formal policy on applicant’s criminal records, it is still a factor when deciding on admittance. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) found that over 60 percent of universities ask students to disclose their past criminal history. Schools were more likely to deny students who had been convicted of violent, sexual or drug related crimes. The study also found that what is even worse than having a criminal record is not disclosing it. When schools discover that applicants have failed to disclose this information, it greatly increases the likelihood of being denied.Financial Aid
Even if you are accepted to college, you may still have trouble attending. Every year, thousands of students are able to pursue higher education thanks to federal student aid. However, those who have been convicted of drug related offenses or certain sexual offenses might not be eligible to receive federal aid. When completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, you are required to disclose your criminal history. This can limit the amount of money you can receive for college, making it harder or even impossible to attend college.What Should I Do?
Going to college is an experience that changes your life for the better. So why should your chance of acceptance be harmed by past mistakes? The best way to protect your future is by having your criminal record sealed or expunged. When your record is sealed or expunged, it is hidden from public record and you no longer have to disclose your past crimes. Make sure that colleges see you and not just your criminal record. Contact the Khonsari Law Group today. We will help you determine what options are best for you and fight to have your record sealed or expunged. Before you take the SATs, call KLG for your free consultation on your case.
Rohom Khonsari
Lawyer
Mr. Khonsari founded and is principal/partner of the Khonsari Law Group. With experience in both criminal and civil law, Mr. Khonsari built the law firm with the standard of doing everything possible for each and every client. With over forty jury trials, he has used his trial advocacy in successfully representing clients charged in criminal court and also those who have cases in the civil realm.
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