<p>I spent plenty of time freaking out about my own disciplinary record: for alcohol consumption on a foreign exchange trip my freshman year, I was dealt a five-day suspension.</p>
<p>I do not drink on principle. That evening in 9th grade, I had a single sip of another student’s beverage, then abstained from drinking any more–but I was suspended along with the rest of the group, and had to attend five substance-abuse counseling sessions!</p>
<p>As a rule, my school does not report disciplinary records to colleges, unless the student has been disciplined for a serious misdemeanor–selling drugs, violence, etc. They leave it up to students to self-report.</p>
<p>I explained my suspension in detail on my application, and was sure it would keep me out of Middlebury, or at least move me into the regular applicant pool. In fact, I was accepted ED! Aah!</p>
<p>I’m fine with colleges asking about disciplinary records. Personally, I want to be safe on campus. I don’t know how effective the new Common App question will be in weeding out risky candidates if schools like mine don’t report their records, but in my experience, it didn’t hurt an otherwise good kid. (and I don’t have a 4.0 GPA either, for the record – 3.77 UW)</p>