So in junior year, I got suspended for 10 days for sending an email to a teacher that was deemed threatening. I’ve also faced other issues because of it. I’m not proud of it, I’m disappointed in myself and I feel remorse and regret for what I’ve done everyday. I know that I have hurt people severely, and obviously if I could go back and change the past, I would. I’ve dealt with anger issues for 10 years, and I constantly was harassed by my teacher. Still, it’s no excuse to lash out on them like that. I said some rude comments about him and his family-which no one should ever receive. I’m not asking for sympathy. However, I am going to ask how I can explain how I grew and became a better person from that situation to colleges. I’m not looking to go to a highly selective school. I’m actually considering Community College, and maybe one or two state universities. I just need help with how to explain myself. I want to show them that I’m improving and that I’m changing from that situation, and that I paid my price for that mistake. It’s been hard for me to sleep and eat thinking about what I’ve done. My mental health has also taken a toll. It was also challenging answering a college essay question for my english honors class. Please again, give me tough judgement and some advice on what to say. Again, I’m sorry for what I’ve done, and that I’m trying to change everyday. Btw- I might delete this later. For purposes.
First, it’s a good idea for your guidance counselor to address your suspension in the letter of rec. They can explain the situation, and hopefully, whatever you then say doesn’t sound as though you are making excuses.
I suggest you use the additional information space on the application to address how you are dealing with whatever caused you to do what you did. Keep it to the point and acknowledge your mistake. Express your regret. Explain what you are doing now to ensure you don’t do anything like that again.
Use your personal statement essay to highlight what is positive about you. Focus on telling a story that gives the reader an idea of who you really are, as opposed to the misguided student who used poor judgment.
Unfortunately, you will have to accept that some colleges might not want to admit you, so it’s good to know that you are considering CC. But you might also find some schools that will,give you a chance. Good luck.
And do not include comments such as, " I constantly was harassed by my teacher." That will not help your case.
What are some sentences or other things about my suspension that I shouldn’t say in order to seem like i’m not making excuses? Should I start off with acknowledging that I messed up and received the consequences?
Yes.
@bri_rodriguezzz , what you said in your first post isn’t bad. Above all, do not make any excuses. Whatever happened is 100% on you, even if you think it isn’t, as far as getting into college.
FYI: Please note, your post can’t be deleted.
OP: Based on your behavior, consider “open enrollment” type schools or online schools.
Unlikely that lashing out in anger at a teacher and the teacher’s family will be overlooked since it happened within the past year & since you admit that you have anger issues.
Threats may be considered “acts of violence”. Schools that admit you knowing of your recent behavior and anger issues might face liability in the event that you act out on your “lashing out in anger” communications.
If you can, please see a qualified medical doctor. You may need counseling and / or medication. Could be purely a medical issue or could be emotional & medical or just an emotional psychological issue. Please seek medical help.
P.S. It takes a mature person to initiate the process of seeking help from a qualified medical professional. You can do it & you almost certainly will benefit from medical & counseling help. Do not be ashamed to seek help. It is what a mature person should & would do.