Hello-

 I'm hoping someone can help me...... I applied with the Secret Service to be a special agent a few days ago and everything was going well with the prelimineray phone interview.  UNTIL we got to the drug question. When he asked if I had ever tried drugs I froze and said no, when in fact I have tried a few drugs in my college years.  I'm kicking myself now because the agent seemed enthusiastic about my qualifications and I'd hate to lose out on my dream because I wasn't honest in the phone interview.  

 My question is, do I even have a shot now?  I absolutely plan on confessing that I have dabbled in a few drugs during my first face to face interview--- I would never let it go to the polygraph!  Does previous drug use bar you from eligiablility?  Thanks in advance for your help

Even if your past drug use were not disqualifying, your having lied about it during the phone interview would probably disqualify you.

Rather than confessing your past drug use (and the fact that you lied about it during your phone interview), a wiser option would be to simply withdraw your application at this point.

Bottom line is this, if you tried drugs more than twice, you're out. When I was interviewed, I had to sign a waiver stating that I never tried them more than twice. The SA who interviewed me told me that any agency such as the FBI and SS has this policy. If you make it to the polygraph, they'll beat the question to death there and look for the smallest inconsistency, drugs, to nail you on. So at this point, I'd confess now and take my chances. It's just my opionion but I'd rather gamble now rather than look like a liar at the poly and kill my chances for sure.