While a DUI can affect many areas of your life, when you are getting ready to go to college, how a DUI will affect your college prospects may be at the top of your mind. Facing DUI charges before entering college may affect your chances of getting in to the college they want, being awarded scholarships and/or receiving financial aid.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30 percent of high school teens have consumed alcohol in the past month. If you obtain an underage DUI prior to college, how exactly will it affect you going forward?
Admission
A DUI conviction can seriously affect your chances of admission at some colleges. Most college applications will ask prospective students if they have an arrest or conviction on their record and may ask you to go into more detail.
Most often, a judge will charge someone who committed a first-offense DUI with a misdemeanor, not a felony. This may increase your chances of acceptance. It is important to inform your potential colleges of your DUI, as dishonesty can backfire.
Scholarship
Many students apply for scholarships to help with the financial burden that college can pose. Typically, students are awarded scholarships for high grades, good behavior or extra-curricular activities. That being said, many scholarship foundations frown upon giving money to students who have a criminal record.
Financial aid
Fortunately, DUI charges do not affect your eligibility to receive federal financial aid (FAFSA). However, you may receive limited financial aid if you have a drug conviction on your record.