Back in college, I received a conviction for DUI. That was 7 years ago...

Form U4 requires the applicant to disclose any felony charge and any felony conviction regardless of the date of occurrence. The form also requires disclosure of misdemeanors related to the securities business, e.g., theft, perjury, counterfeiting, forgery, and fraud, etc. Assuming the DUI conviction was a misdemeanor, you not only can take the exam and/or get licensed, but also you will not be required to disclose it via Form U4. It is a misdemeanor that does not relate to a financial services career.