Extensive Criminal Record

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>Well, not exactly.
I'm kinda worried about a little problem I have that no one else in these forums appears to have.</p>

<p>I was suspended in the very beginning of freshman year for attempting to incite riot. The offense sounds much more inflammatory than what actually happened. Some seniors were throwing food at us from across the lunch table and I decided to give them a piece of my mind...in an extremely loud voice. Unluckily for me, the vice principal happened to have walked in the cafe right when I started. </p>

<p>The student handbook specifically stated that the first offense for such an action would be detention, but my vice-principal decided to set an example anyway, and upped it to a single-day suspension. He later told my horrified mother that they would only disclose the record to colleges if asked.</p>

<p>This is the only offense that I have ever committed in high school. I have no detentions, no other offenses, not even a tardy. I'm a junior now, and it's getting close to college decision-making time. I just looked at the Common Application and it requires disclosure of suspensions (I'm pretty sure my vice-principal knew about this). I'm wondering, is this grounds for a complete application dismissal for places like Yale? And, if not, how can I convince schools that I am not the same person I was that day? (I know it's stereotypical, but I'm normally 'that quiet Asian guy in my school with a 4.4 GPA')</p>

<p>Finally, has anyone else been suspended before and still receive admissions into, say, an Ivy League school?</p>

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<p>Well, you'll have to report the suspension, yes, but you'll have room to explain yourself. I assume (you'll have to check on this) someone you like (preferably a teacher...counselor?) can exonerate you as well.</p>

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<p>For enderkin: Lots of kids get suspended for various reasons, and sometimes it is unwarranted. Sometimes the administration uses a situation to make a point to the other students. Unless you REPEATEDLY received suspensions, it would be very shallow to not admit you based solely on one not so pretty incident in your life. Personally, according to your description, I think you did absolutely nothing wrong. After the question about suspension on the application, there is usually a place to explain. Say what you said here. It is easily understood. I truly believe that it will not be used against you.</p>

4

<p>As long as you explain your intentions in a meaningful way, I don't think it will hurt you. Good luck! ;)</p>

5

<p>how long were u suspended for?
i doubt it would matter.
i got a PI ticket in january...luckily i wasnt arrested and was found not guilty so i dont have to put anything on apps.</p>

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<p>Um if this is your definition of "extensive criminal record"...</p>

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<p>I was kidding. It's that whole, you know, sarcasm thing. Nevermind.</p>

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