Felony: Need advice for a friend

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A discussion centers on the academic and career prospects of an individual with a felony conviction from six years ago, who is nearing the end of probation and pursuing an associate's degree. The individual aspires to study psychology and behavioral neuroscience, but concerns about the impact of the felony on graduate school admissions have been raised. Insights suggest that applying to universities involves risks that can be managed by being honest about the conviction, as many applications allow candidates to explain their past. It is noted that graduate admissions committees typically focus on overall academic performance and personal growth, indicating that a strong academic record can mitigate concerns about a criminal history. Additionally, pursuing options like executive clemency or expungement could further alleviate worries regarding future academic opportunities. Overall, the consensus is that an academic future remains viable despite the past conviction.
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Around six years ago my friend attempted to break into someone's house. He broke down the front door and was stopped before he was able to steal anything. It was a non-violent, non-drug related crime.

He did his time and is almost done with 5 years of probation with no mess-ups. Soon he'll have an associate's degree from the community college and looking to transfer to university. What he has always wanted to do is study psychology/behavioral neuroscience. He wants to go to grad school and work in a lab and do research, however he's been told by some that it'd be too risky with his felony. Is an academic future out of the picture? He was 21 or 22 when the crime was committed.

I appreciate any advice or insight you can provide.
 
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Risky? There is no risk. You apply and they say yes or no. You're even allowed a chance (in the application of course) to write essays for universities and it would be a great place to explain what a horrible decision it was and how he's learned from it and what have you.
 
If he has been living an exemplary life, since doing the time, it might be a good idea to request executive clemency. A pardon, or even better, an expungement would go a long way toward easing his concerns.
 
Just an FYI, most university applications have a tickbox where you check in if you have been prosecuted for any federal/state offense. So as long as he does not lie about it, there is no risk as pengwuino said.
 
jinksys said:
He wants to go to grad school and work in a lab and do research, however he's been told by some that it'd be too risky with his felony. Is an academic future out of the picture?

For the most part graduate school admissions is not going to care.
 
twofish-quant said:
For the most part graduate school admissions is not going to care.

Oh yah, good point to bring up. If someone can make it through a bachelors, I'm sure an admissions committee would be very confident that the person is trying to be a productive member of society.
 

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