Will a felony drug charge from 2001 prevent me from enrolling in college?

I'm 30 years old...I got a felony drug charge in 2001 (possession of MDMA). I plea bargained and got 7 years probation and a hefty fine. I paid off the fine and have been on unsupervised probation for a few years. I pled under Georgia's first Offender act and, supposedly, the charge should be expunged or sealed when my probation is up in June of '09. I haven't been in any trouble since, and I have spent many years reading and studying a great many topics...becoming self-educated, if you will. I plan on applying to Georgia State for the fall quarter to study applied physics...I've never been to college (other than tech. school) and this is really what I want to do with my life.
What I really need to know before I apply is if my record will affect my ability to enroll. It was so long ago, and it seems like another life...I'm so far removed from where I was then that it's a shame to think that a bad choice almost 8 years ago could haunt me and keep me from bettering my life in the way I see best fit.

I have had trouble finding a good life insurance policy because of this as well...but the search continues. My main concern is that the school will look at my record and judge my total character on that one incident in my life and not allow me to attend their institution based upon it. I also have concerns about how this will affect financial aid and student loans. I need someone...a school administrator, a lawyer, a probation officer or a judge to give me some insight before I start the application process...and the deadline is fast approaching. Also, any insight from those in similar situations would be greatly appreciated.

I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
--J

You haved improved so I suppose the society should give a fresh look towards you.
Get a proper certificate of conduct from proper authority and apply wher there is not too much of competition, -esp. vacancies are many .