Felony: Need advice for a friend

  • Thread starter Thread starter jinksys
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Need advice
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges faced by an individual with a felony record seeking to pursue higher education, specifically in psychology/behavioral neuroscience. Participants explore the implications of a criminal record on graduate school admissions and the potential for academic success despite past mistakes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that applying to graduate school is straightforward, and that applicants can use their essays to explain their past decisions and growth.
  • One participant proposes that seeking executive clemency or expungement could alleviate concerns about the felony record.
  • It is noted that most university applications require disclosure of any federal or state offenses, but honesty in this process is emphasized as important.
  • Several participants express the view that graduate school admissions are unlikely to be significantly affected by the felony, especially if the individual has demonstrated a commitment to personal improvement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a felony record does not necessarily preclude academic opportunities, but there are differing opinions on the level of risk involved in the application process and the potential benefits of seeking clemency or expungement.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability in university policies regarding criminal records and the subjective nature of admissions decisions, which may depend on individual circumstances and the specific programs to which one applies.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with criminal records considering higher education, educators, admissions counselors, and those interested in the intersection of criminal justice and academic opportunities.

jinksys
Messages
122
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Other Advice for Pursuing Physics: My Friend's Story
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other Dealing with Imposter Syndrome at University: Advice from Vanadium50
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
I need some advice, academically
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Education, job outlooks, and criminal records
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Home Repair & Maintenance Advice for Newbie?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Need help Picking Senior Year AP Classes....
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
I just need some academic direction/advice
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
The Scientist as Hero - or not
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Programs 26yo. USMC veteran, pilot & physics lover needing guidance
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Germany this year or USA next year? (Physics)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K