Car Accident While Applying

[connorjp]

Hello all. I was in a car accident last night, and as the driver turning left, I am considered at fault. No one was injured and all cars are drivable. I expect to be cited and receive a fine for it. I'm just ready to move on now. However, the Police Record & School Probation section of the Personal Data File asks:

Have you ever been cited, arrested, convicted or fined for any
violation of any law or ordinance? If Yes, complete
the section below.

How, if at all, will this accident affect my chances of admission?

 

[Old Navy BGO]

First, read the the directions carefully and make sure that it doesn't have an exclusion for minor traffic offenses. (I don't recall specifically how the USNA question is worded, but these type of questions often exclude traffic offenses..since almost everyone has some). If not disclaimed, or even if the wording is ambiguous, disclose it. Omission of something that should be disclosed is often worse than the actual act itself...particularly in this case.

To answer the question of how this affects your chance of admission -- I wouldn't expect that it makes any difference at all. More importantly, you shouldn't worry or dwell on it. You can't do anything about it after the fact, except perhaps learn from the mistake and don't let it happen again. Look forward and present your application the best you can. Good luck.

 

[MidwestDad]

Except for OUI it is no big issue. Report if/as needed along with explanation. Unless you are cited for reckless driving it is not going to hurt you; careless is pretty minor.

 

[connorjp]

First, read the the directions carefully and make sure that it doesn't have an exclusion for minor traffic offenses. (I don't recall specifically how the USNA question is worded, but these type of questions often exclude traffic offenses..since almost everyone has some). If not disclaimed, or even if the wording is ambiguous, disclose it. Omission of something that should be disclosed is often worse than the actual act itself...particularly in this case.

To answer the question of how this affects your chance of admission -- I wouldn't expect that it makes any difference at all. More importantly, you shouldn't worry or dwell on it. You can't do anything about it after the fact, except perhaps learn from the mistake and don't let it happen again. Look forward and present your application the best you can. Good luck.

That puts my mind at ease a little. Thanks for your prompt reply and valuable advice!

 

[THParent]

My DS was in a similar situation and disclosed it. Nobody hurt and no real damage, except bumper scratches.
Not a problem. It is always better to disclose everything up front, in case they ask about it later.
If they do ask about it, you don't have to remember what you omitted.
Easy.

 

[usna1234]

I expect to be cited and receive a fine for it.

Isn’t there an option to attend driving school rather than paying the fine? I believe after the completion of the drivers ed course they will remove the violation completely from your record.

 

[Kierkegaard]

I expect to be cited and receive a fine for it.

Isn’t there an option to attend driving school rather than paying the fine? I believe after the completion of the drivers ed course they will remove the violation completely from your record.

This is something that varies by state. In any case, USNA asks for absolutely everything that has ever been on the candidate's legal record, regardless of whether it was expunged, sealed, etc.