Some universities have policies that automatically disqualify applicants with certain felonies, particularly those related to violence or drug trafficking. Others may consider the felony on a case-by-case basis, looking at factors like:
* The nature of the crime: A minor felony might be overlooked, while a serious violent felony might be a significant barrier.
* The time elapsed since the conviction: A conviction from many years ago with a demonstrated pattern of rehabilitation might be viewed differently than a recent conviction.
* Rehabilitation efforts: Evidence of successful rehabilitation, such as completion of probation, participation in support groups, or obtaining gainful employment, can significantly improve the chances of admission.
* The specific university's policies: Each university has its own admission standards and procedures. Some might be more lenient than others.
In short, a person with a felony should contact the admissions office of the specific state university they are interested in attending to inquire about their policies regarding applicants with criminal records. They should be prepared to provide details about their conviction and any evidence of rehabilitation.