I was given a Transit Adjudication Bureau Ticket for entering the subway without payment. I am a 1L in law school.

Geez. You are putting your entire future (and your entire law school investment) on the line because you don't want to pay a subway fare? I think you are right to be concerned about the ramifications of this and you should have an experienced attorney help you.

For a good answer, you really need to provide the facts and circumstances. Or, can I assume that since you left them out that they do not help you? In any event, there can be a criminal penalty for this type of offense. But, even if there is not a criminal penalty, the act can be viewed as a theft, reflecting upon honesty and integrity, which could do more to harm your chances with the bar than a more serious crime not involving honesty and integrity. You should hire a lawyer to represent you on the ticket.