Long story short, I did something in 9th grade that I truly regret. (Academic Integrity wise). I got an In-School Suspension for it. Fortunately, since I’ve cleaned up my act, the principal stated that the In-School Suspension will not be on my record. Fast forward to today. I’m a relatively great applicant, stellar GPA, near perfect SAT, perfect SAT II, most competitive AP course load, valedictorian, amazing teacher recs. I also have great extracurriculars and also a URM (if that helps?). I feel very confident in the fact that I worked my ass off since that incident and became a great student. Unfortunately, my guidance counselor has some reservations with me. Usually, I don’t care, but I just realised that she is the one filling out my SSR.
In it there are two sections that I’m very worried about:
“Has the applicant ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at your school 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 your institution.”
And of course the recommendation part.
What I done in 9th grade was very wrong, I have learned from my mistakes and revised myself. However, will all this ameliorating be in vain because of the SSR?
My advice is to confront this head on with a discussion with your GC. Say you’re concerned and why. Show your progress and your regret at the incident.
If you don’t get any satisfaction or aren’t convinced the GC is hearing you, go over their head and ask to be assigned a new GC or have the GC’s boss mediate a conversation.
If the principal stated it’s school policy that the blot will not be on your record or that the school does not disclose, you should be fine. (And adcoms would understand this was back in 9th, that you grew tremendously.)
As important as the GC letter is, they come in all different forms and levels of enthusiasm. Some are more useful than others. Adcoms have read thousands, if not tens of thousands. They know when to read between the lines and when to just chalk up a so-so letter to the counselor, not the student. Plenty of great kids get admits despite a lukewarm GC.
But pay attention to the LoRs from teachers. Choose well (the teachers appropriate to your work and possible major.) If you can (and think you need to,) sit with them and ask about the qualities they might write about, see if they can cite more than that you were in their class and did your homework. I.e., your intellectual qualities, collaboration, as well as being a nice (and responsible) kid. Some will talk to you, some won’t. we don;t know more abut your school or relationships.
And do pay attention to how you complete the app and supps. It’s your “self presentation.” Know what a Harvard or other top school looks for and how you match.
Why bump this thread? @odannyboySF gave you great advice. Talk to your principal and GC to make sure they do not answer the disciplinary statement with a yes. The only person who can do that is YOU!
In addition, if your guidance counselor has some reservations with you, I would be more worried about the statements s/he will make on page 2, as to your maturity, personal qualities and character. Again that’s only a conversation that you can have with your GC. Anything less than stellar is gong to spell trouble for you: http://www.du.edu/apply/media/documents/2012CASSR.pdf.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Closing thread. User created an additional account to ask the question, which is not allowed. Regardless, the definitive answer has been given