Hello everyone. If anyone could please take the time to read this and give me some feedback, I would highly appreciate it.
I just started my junior year of high school, and I have recently been suspended for intoxication. I have also been previously suspended for sexual conduct my sophomore year. I am not a bad student at all; I’m currently valedictorian in my class. However, I’m very aware of the awful decisions that I made, and I am being completely honest and taking full responsibility of my actions.
Will my suspensions affect my chances of getting into good colleges? I can have the suspensions appealed, but I plan on concentrating my efforts to show how much I have changed and my willingness to still be a contributing member to my school and my community first. I understand how hard to believe that I am still capable of making good choices in my life, but I am asking for some helpful responses as well as advice on what I can do from this point forward. Thank you to all who read this.
There is no question but that recorded suspensions will hurt your prospects at the most selective colleges. They have thousands of impeccably qualified applicants, and can pick and choose among them. Are you at a private or public school?
You say you “just started junior year,” but then mentioned a suspension as a sophomore - that would not appear to be ancient history for you. Most private schools have some sort of “two strikes” rule regarding major violations, with some flexibiilty written in. You should not share specifics with anonymous strangers on this website, but you absolutely should find out if and how these suspensions will appear on your transcript. The “sexual misconduct” might harm you more than the alcohol in the current climate. Too many colleges and universities face sanctions for failing to address sexual assaults on campus. A single episode of alcohol use might be forgiven, but if it seems to be part of a pattern of anti-social or reckless behavior, it will cost you.
The good news is that most schools will look at your GPA and test scores first, and - if they meet standards - will barely consider other factors.
I am not here to lecture you. Other parents might, but I’m sure you’ve heard enough already from adults in your life.
It is crucial for you to communicate with your guidance counselor or college adviser. He or she has the potential to be your best friend in this process, since those people are usually responsible for writing your basic letter of recommendation. They can suggest the best way to answer the application questions regarding major disciplinary actions.
Good luck, and try to make the most of the next year.
To the OP…there are students with HS disciplinary actions who get accepted to fine schools. But…my question…what is your plan moving forward to address these issues? Did you do anything after the sexual misconduct issue last year? If so…what, and if not…why not?
Without revealing too much, can you give us some idea about the sexual misconduct issue? Did you get caught with your girlfriend in the locker room or was it more serious?
@thumper1 I cut off any connections between me and him. I remained close to my counselor to keep her updated on my situation, and I focused and maintained my grades. I also wrote a letter of appeal to my principal at the end of my sophomore year, but I was informed they usually approve suspensions for juniors and never got any replies.
I’m hoping to show that I can still recover and change in spite of my issues. I would like to join some clubs and volunteer in organizations against substance and drug use to help other students make better decisions that I failed to make.
@woogzmama I was told suspensions wouldn’t be included in my transcript, but I’m worried colleges will ask for my disciplinary record and completely ruin my chances of admission. As for my counselor, I’m hoping I can still remain in good terms with her when I return to school.
As was said, the counselor will be key. I doubt the sexual misconduct incident as a sophomore will mean anything and, hopefully, will not even be disclosed. That falls under the category of pretty normal teenager behavior. I’m surprised you got a suspension. The alcohol incident needs to be countered by impeccable behavior. Colleges did not used to get put off by a single drinking violation (drugs, academic dishonesty and violence were the huge red flags) but if there is a pattern of incidents, it could be a problem. The common app does ask about suspensions/expulsions.
Checking for clarity. You are currently suspended from your HS…at the start of your junior year.
What are you allowed to do regarding keeping up,with your classes? This is imoortant!
Is this a public school…so you are at home or in school suspension? Or is this a private school and you have been asked to leave the campus until your suspension ends?
In addition to impeccable behavior, will you be seeking any counseling to understand why you have had these risky behaviors?
@MomofWildChild I go to a public school, and it’s pretty common for students to act in the way I did. I am in no way trying to justify my actions, but it is the reason why they have a zero tolerance policy on them. I will try to keep my record clean, work on my behavior and academics, and find a new group of friends to support me along the way.
@thumper1 I go to a public school & serving an out of school suspension. I have to email all my teachers and ask about their policy on doing work while on suspension. I was told it varies from teacher to teacher. And as for counseling, I haven’t thought about it. But if it is something I find I need to get better, I will do it.
Let us know if you get expelled. That would present a different challenge. You do need to figure out how you can live within the rules of your school community!
As others said, the applications ask, and the counselors will have to report, disciplinary issues on your file. I agree that even if these were minor issues, having 2 suspensions on your record by the start of your junior year is not common. WOudl definitely suggest you get into therapy to address issues that might be behind this. Good luck.