<p>I was wondering what the effect of disciplinary action is on college chances. I've recently broken a major school rule (in my opinion, for a silly and immature mistake), and colleges will be notified by my school It is labeled as harrassment, but in reality, it was really just a misinterpretation of a joke. I am a sophomore right now, but I'm worried how it will affect how colleges view me. </p>
<p>As of now, I am thinking of either initiating a school wide event that will raise awareness about harassment, or somehow show colleges that I've learned my lesson, besides writing an essay on it. </p>
<p>My unweighted GPA is a high 3.9, and I'm sure my SAT's and AP exams will be fine (I've already taken 2 AP's, Chinese and English, and gotten 5's). I go to a rather prestigious and competitive private school, and I've lettered in varsity for swimming both my freshman and sophomore year, but I don't think I'm talented enough to swim in college. My other extracirriculers are not bad, but I'm working on finding a summer internship. </p>
<p>Ideally, I'm looking at Colombia or UPenn, but I'm not sure how this will affect my chances.
Thanks!</p>
<p>It will probably affect you. You could turn it around, but who knows. I think these top schools already have a problem with entitled people with the sensitivity of a snake, and if they see signs of it in an applicant, why would they accept you?</p>
<p>Do try and turn it around, but also consider other avenues. This does not have to ruin your life unless you let it, but it may very well change your plans. Talk to your counselor and ask what your options are and what the colleges will know. Sound contrite. Never act like this was bad luck on your part.</p>
<p>So you think it was just a silly joke, yet you plan to “raise awareness” of harassment to make yourself look better? Did you harass anyone? If no, don’t be a hypocrite, and if yes… don’t be a hypocrite. Be more critical of yourself, admit you made a mistake, albeit a silly one (I don’t know if that’s true), that affected other people negatively, and issue a heartfelt apology–not to make yourself look better to colleges, but to make the person(s) you wronged feel better.</p>
<p>If you really think adcoms will be impressed by a former bully (in their eyes. Again, I don’t know what the incident was) “raising awareness” in a transparent ploy to gain their approval, you’re deluding yourself.</p>
<p>Also, writing an essay on the subject is unnecessary. The Common App will prompt you to give an explanation of the incident on a separate sheet of paper, which is where your story should go. Use your main essay for something more positive/interesting/personal.</p>