Criminal History May Impact College Future

The Common Application, an application used by over 300 colleges and universities, recently added questions about students criminal histories to the application. Students are asked to disclose any prior criminal convictions and disciplinary actions.

The apparent goal is identifying potentially dangerous people, those who have committed violent offenses or have behavioral problems, and keeping them out of dormitories or certain majors where they might create liability.

Students would not be required to disclose juvenile offenses which are sealed, and college admissions officers say they will not automatically disqualify students with a history of behavioral problems or criminal history.

Many groups oppose this trend because they believe students who have made mistakes in the past should be prevented from getting an education.

Just a note...The FAFSA already asks students if they have been convicted of a crime, as do many college applications.