Alcohol Violation Common App Question - Urgent

<p>Hi all!</p>

<p>So I'm applying to Stanford in a couple hours and I'm not really sure how to handle the alcohol violation I got a week or so ago. On the common app it asks the following questions:</p>

<p>Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution you have attended from the 9th grade (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in a disciplinary action? These actions could include, but are not limited to: probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from the institution. </p>

<p>If you answered yes to either or both questions, please upload a letter that gives the approximate date of each incident, explains the circumstances, and reflects on what you learned from the experience. </p>

<p>Well first, I'm really bummed out about this. I have a good but not great application this time around and I've spent such a long time on it. I'm really worried that whatever little chance I have of getting in might now be gone because of this stupid little incident.</p>

<p>So here's the situation: I got an alcohol violation last week. I met with my RD and she didn't deem it to be very serious. In actuality, it was pretty serious but there were some factors out of my control but she recognized that and gave me the least possible punishment she could which was an hour and a half Choices workshop. I didn't get put on probation or anything like that. I'm guessing I have to report this on my Common App? If so, what exactly should I say. I'm guessing I shouldn't go into too much detail. I really want to say as little as possible about this because I don't want to take emphasis off of my actual application. And what should I say about the lessons I've learned? And still come across as honest? Thanks!</p>

<p>Can I be the first to ask - what is an alcohol violation?</p>

<p>I would say yes but I really doubt it would have much of an impact on your application. It’s pretty minor and typical for college students.</p>

<p>Yes - and more than anything, be honest. The best way to come across as honest is to be honest. Do what the application asks - state what happened, what the punishment was, and what you have learned from your mistake thus far. Given that is was a week before you would be completing your application, you can state what you hope to learn from the workshop as well (I’m assuming you haven’t attended yet).</p>

<p>Does Stanford require the college official’s report?</p>