Prior misdemeanor and upcoming application

bonetrauma, thanks for your response. I recently looked at the ERAS application and there is a specific question asking, "Have you ever been convicted a misdemeanor in the United States?". So I really have no choice, but to report it. I am sure criminal history will be a screener for some programs, but hopefully it's not too big of a deal. I just hope programs understand that what is on my record is just a petty misdemeanor for being irresponsible and not paying a ticket on time. Not to mention I was 19 y/o.

Did your friend with the alcohol related issues in college eventually get those charges dismissed? I know a few people that have had that experience and once you stay out of trouble for 6 months the charges get dropped and nothing shows up on your record. In that case, you don't have to report anything. So maybe that is what happened in his/her case

My suggestion if you are financial sound is try to get the charge removed from your record. It may cost you. But you can avoid the headache of explanation. And also it is a peace of mind to check "no" on the box. Funny thing is that all the big wigs question your professionalism however if you open up their closets. There are skeletons everywhere. I only speak from experience.

ERAS is an application put together by non medical folks.

Being too honest on the application definitely has screwed applicants in the past. Case in point, the idiotic immigration status which they downloaded from USCIS website. They make the distinction between conditional green card and permanent green card. Do you know how many orthopods scratched their heads over that distinction? They thought conditional green card meant you are on the deportation list. That ended up screwing applicants who were trying to be honest with their application.
I haven't heard of any ortho program running background checks on the applicants (some one can fact check me on that)
When you interview, you'll get some rushed orthopod that is looking at your application for the first time right there and then.

You will be judged on EVERYTHING because they are looking for things to make their decision easy. No need to tip the scale towards rejection on a petty misdemeanor charge.

That's my 2 cents...

You are on the right track. Best wishes to you. Let me know if I can be of any more assistance to you along the way.

Was in the same situation this cycle. Had a misdemeanor arrest for "reckless driving by speed" (>25mph over speed limit)

Disclosed it on eras. Explained it in 3 sentences. Was not an issue. Interviewed at 12 places, matched at my #1.

Bottom line, you have to put it on eras or your lying on your application. If you can get it expunged then do that, I wasn't able to.

I agree with these guys. That charge is pretty minor in the big picture. The most important thing is being up front and honest. Be prepared to answer a few questions about it and don't be put off when people do. Probably should be prepared to answer "why didn't you pay the first ticket?".
Other than that have competitive scores/grades and a good application.
Good luck!