Will universities know if you have a CHP?

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Hello,

To put it simply, I recently turned 21 and I've been thinking about getting my concealed handgun permit (in Colorado). I will also soon be graduating from college; as such I am currently applying to dental schools. I passively mentioned to my dad that I may be getting my CHP soon. He advised me against doing so because of the liberal tendencies of some of the schools I will be applying to. So basically, I was just wondering if a school could potentially have access to this information? I am aware that they run a very thorough background check prior to admittance.

Regardless, I will likely get my CHP when I can pay for the processing fees but I was curious nonetheless.

Thank you for the assistance.

 

[SMMAssociates]

Njal:

Can't say for sure, but the University PD might be able to find out, should you run afoul of them. However, unless the school is running background checks of students, it's not likely to come up.

Here in OH, State schools, and perhaps some others, have PD's that are considered Municipal Police Departments in just about any case. I'm sure it's more complicated than that, but they likely have access to OH's LEADS system (their version of NCIS), and that DOES have access to CHL information.

Regards,

 

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Schools do run a comprehensive background check of all applicants, which is where I am concerned it may come up. I am mainly concerned for admission purposes. So will CHP info appear on the average school-run background check?

 

[AirForceShooter]

Are Colorado CHP's a public record?

AFS

 

[bikerdoc]

In VA chp is come up when they run your license, and campus police have full powers. It is also illegal to carry on any campus.
It is not uncommon for admissions and employers to do a full background including social media.
I would be more concerned with what you post on line and FB than having a CHP

 

[MErl]

Are Colorado CHP's a public record?

So far as I know, in CO they are not public record but have no guarantee of privacy either.

 

[omgtkk]

I can't answer the question if that information is public record, but as a graduate of a dental school that is part of a large liberal University, I can tell you this: most colleges and universities consider themselves gun-free zones. When I want on to teach at said university, carrying was not permitted. I think you would be putting yourself in jeopardy of expulsion if it was learned that you were carrying on campus. Maybe things are different at less liberal schools, but I would be very aware.

 

[CLP]

Don't worry about that. Worry about your DSAT scores and personal statement.

 

[BSA1]

What occupation is your Dad's? His advice may be based on real world experience.

Sometimes children should listen to their parents. He may be right in advising to wait until you are in Dental School before getting a CHP.

 

[SMMAssociates]

Njal:

Didn't think of it, but a Dental School just might go to the trouble of looking. When my dad did that, OSU probably would have given you a gun (1945).

I never could get interested in Dentistry, though. I also carried at YSU from 1967-1971, often in the YSU PD offices.... Times change.... Whole lot less crime there then, too.

I never listened much to my dad .... I also had fluoride treatments when nobody ever heard of it. The six teeth I have left are a bit of a "why bother?" v.s. all the crazy stuff he tried on me and my two sisters. The good news is that the kid who bought his practice gives me a discount .... I think my upper plate needs some work, though. I had some acrylic around here someplace....

Dad was an excellent dentist, but changing light bulbs taxed his capabilities. I could understand not doing the halogens in his chairside units (we kept spares, and I kept tools in the car), but swapping 4' fluorescents in the front lobby was my job, too. One night I stopped in at about 0400 to do that. In full uniform, with my Guard Service marked car parked in front of the building. Nobody seemed to notice ....

In this case, getting back to topic, I don't see much risk in getting the license now v.s. waiting, but waiting might still be a good idea. However, if you're spending a lot of time off-campus, it might be a good idea anyway. In OH, while you generally can't carry on-campus, you can lock yours up in your car and leave it there. This might still be against some school's policies, but it's less likely to be a problem.

Regards,

 

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

First of all, I will certainly NOT be carrying in locations where it is illegal to do so- especially a university. That would be grounds for expulsion.

My dad's advice is not based on any experience, but I thought he raised an interesting question.

I also know that there's a lot more I need to worry about for admission, but if there's a chance that a CHP could pop up on a background check then I might prefer to wait.

 

[GEM]

I sincerely doubt it. However, folks are googled and for some jobs, being vocal on gun related social media might not fly.

For a dental school application - unlikely.

 

[bigfatdave]

I'd worry about dumb stuff you put online under your real name more than a record that would take WORK to dig up from the state.

 

[vamo]

They might be able to find out depending on how public colorado's permits are. It would not be a factor as far as getting accepted to a school though, worry more about your grades and test scores.

 

[zerobarrier]

If you are that worried about it, I would just wait till you get accepted then get your CHP. I think you have other things to worry about right now, like studying for your DAT or loans to pay for these ungodly tuitions. No need to add undo stress. Once you are accepted they won't be running anymore background checks on you.

 

[CLP]

I've been involved with admissions of medical school applicants, medical residency applicants, and fellowship appplicants- in psychiatry (arguable one of the more liberal-minded fields). This is a non-issue. Your GPA, admission test scores, race (still), state residency status (if applying to a state vs. public school), personal statement, and extracurriculars (especially research these days; this almost seems to be a requirement since so many people have it on their CV) are what gets you into any professional program. I've been down this road many times- from both ends. Both PHD and MD programs. If you get an interview- it means they like you. If you don't get an offer of admission, it likely means you didn't interview well, there were too many applicants for the number of seats available, or you applied too late in the admission cycle in which case you'll be wait-listed. If you apply to a public school outside of your home state you're going to need a superb reason why you're applying to their program (eg. to be close to a terminally ill parent). They do NOT vet people based on political ideology or whether you have a concealed carry permit. Get your CCW. Don't break any laws. Do not go into an interview with a "Don't tread on me" pin on your lapel. Black suit, white/blue shirt, power tie, hair cut. Firm handshake. Look the interviewers in their eyes when you talk with them- they'll likely have you interview with 4-6 people. Be polite and personable. Have answers to tough questions already prepared.