Character and Fitness Addendum Q's Forum

[yoitsmebenny]

I got an underage drinking ticket my junior year of undergrad, and I will obviously need to include an addendum. This is what I have written up so far (this is for a school that only asks for misdemeanors and felonies, hence the last sentence). Can you guys let me know how this is? Should I include more story details, or is it good as is (straight and to the point)? My state posts our circuit court records online, should I include a link to that for more information? Thanks for any help. Also - names and locations removed for obvious privacy reasons.

"On September 19th, 2009, I was issued an ordinance violation citation for Underage Drinking-Possess-17-20 (1st) in [county name] County, [state]. The citation was issued by the [state] Department of Natural Resources at the [name of state park] State Park campground. I was there camping for the evening with club cross country teammates following our first cross country meet of the year earlier in the day. This is a non-criminal, non-traffic offense and resulted in a monetary forfeiture of $200, which has been paid in full. The case is officially considered closed.

While the Character and Fitness questionnaire specifically asks about misdemeanor or felony charges (of which this ordinance violation is neither), I felt that it was in the best interest of full disclosure to include this addendum."

[goawaybee]

2 cent

I say disclose everything when it comes to this kind of C & F type of thing. Just my opinion though, I like transparency when it comes to this kind of thing. If you can own it and table it now it will be one less skeleton that can come flying out of the closet later in life. Some people dig deep to burn you, I say let it all hang out on the front end especially if it is a minor infraction such as yours. I might add something, not complete bullshit about knowledge gained, life lesson whatever IF you think you need to. that is up to you.

I have a bit more menacing addendum to write, but again throw it out there get it out of the way. I did it once this year for another license that required it, I feel better knowing it can't sneak up later and force me to explain why it wasn't tabled. That is when people really begin to question your character.

[yoitsmebenny]

2 cent

I say disclose everything when it comes to this kind of C & F type of thing. Just my opinion though, I like transparency when it comes to this kind of thing. If you can own it and table it now it will be one less skeleton that can come flying out of the closet later in life. Some people dig deep to burn you, I say let it all hang out on the front end especially if it is a minor infraction such as yours. I might add something, not complete bullshit about knowledge gained, life lesson whatever IF you think you need to. that is up to you.

I have a bit more menacing addendum to write, but again throw it out there get it out of the way. I did it once this year for another license that required it, I feel better knowing it can't sneak up later and force me to explain why it wasn't tabled. That is when people really begin to question your character.

So are you saying I should include more story details, or just maybe include "I learned my lesson" (al beit more professionally)?

[goawaybee]

50/50

Mine happened almost 10 yrs ago so I don't really see the need to explain the lesson learned etc...although I may. All depends on how I feel that day. I am not big for excuses or bullshitting people. Can always blast it as guilt by association, CYA move. As I have grown I respect people who own it and look me in the eyes and aren't nervous attempting to make an excuse. But I do see the merit in explaining what was learned/gained/lost etc...

Hopefully some others closer to your age who have had similar infractions will have more insight and explain exactly how they handled it.

I don't really see it as a big ding by any means. Again some with balls would leave it out, others out of fear may submit and make some laundry list style excuse.

[kalvano]

Include an addendum, but no explanations or bullshit necessary. They are sure you are very sorry.

[rdcws000]

I wrote an addendum for 2 felonies on my juvenile record that happened 12 years ago. I made my entire focus to NOT sound like I was making an excuse, instead spent time on the things I've done in the past 12 years that prove I am a responsible contributor to society. It's hard to say what effect the addendum had on my cycle because I only applied to 2 schools, a Tier 2 (1st choice) and a Tier 4 (safety). Naturally I was rejected at my 1st choice and accepted at the safety. I think this had more to do with my borderline numbers at my 1st choice than it did with the addendum.

For your issue, I'd keep it short and sweet. You are disclosing because you are responsible, but this is a very minor infraction. If you wanted, I believe you could even exclude the "This is a non-criminal, non traffic offense..." line because they should already know that and it makes it sound like you are saying it shouldn't count. (Although underage drinking may not be criminal, it is breaking the law and could be considered WORSE than a traffic violation).

It's nothing, it's minor, it should have zero impact on your app, so state it like a fact, and not a long drawn out statement. Frankly they just want to see that you'll report it, it would only matter if you kept it a secret, and they are reading addendums about more serious violations.

[chitown825]

"monetary forfeiture," --> fine
"officially considered closed" --> closed

you'll learn to stop talking like this once you start 1L.

[yoitsmebenny]

So do you guys think what I have written up there will work? Short and sweet?