Disciplinary question on common app

[Builder123]

In a bit of a bind here. I was given an in school suspension for 2 days freshman year for an academic violation. I learned my lesson and never did anything remotely like that again. Now, on the common app there is the “have you ever been suspended question.” I asked my counselor what to write, and she said to check no, and that she would be checking no as well on her report. Obviously I’d like to do this to remain competitive for good universities. But do I have the legal coverage to do so if my counselor told me to write no? The information won’t be on my transcripts either. Could the college expel me if they find out somehow a few years down the line? Also, does anyone know how long high schools hold on to these disciplinary records for students?

Thanks for the help everyone.

[skieurope]

IMO, the question as asked on the Common App is draconian. Colleges, in general, are concerned with acts that resulted in an out-of-school suspension or expulsion. They do not care if you got a detention for chewing gum, or having a cell phone in class, or leaving the school to go to Burger King, or drinking behind a dumpster at a school dance. They do care about serious violations like bullying/hazing, drug use/dealing, plagiarism, etc.

The first step, which you did, is ask your GC. Your answers need to match. If she is checking the “no” box, then you can as well. Colleges are not going to investigate further; they have better things to do. Having said that, try to avoid getting any further in school suspensions.