How do suspensions affect college applications?

Applying to College
1

<p>I was curious as to how suspensions can affect your chances of getting into college. </p>

<p>I ask this because i have recieved two suspensions: The first occurring in 8th grade where i accidently hit another student (a very close friend of mine actually) with a small rock (As much as it doesnt sound possible for that to be an "accident", it truly was. My friend did not suffer any permanent damage whatsoever; the wound created by the rock was almost negligible), and one in 9th grade for skipping the last hour of school. These weren't major offenses in comparison to offenses such as vandalism or drug-related crimes but i can't help but think that they will have some sort of impact on my future.</p>

<p>Now i am a Junior in High School and truthfully, i have learned from what i did. The rock incident stemmed from a joke and became bigger, and i do not plan on ever committing such a mistake. As for the skipping incident, i feel that immaturity played a major role in my reasoning for carrying it out. I feel i have matured since then and want to make that very clear to the colleges i wish to attend. Is it possible to let them know i have matured and will that erase any chance of a negative impact on my application?</p>

<p>Ultimately, will there be any chance i can expunge these suspensions from my record? And will doing so help me in any way? Im aware that you must be completely honest when filling out a college application and i intend to do so, but i would like to know whether or not you need to include suspensions that have been expunged in that portion of the application.</p>

<p>I apologize for the abundance of questions, i am just serious about my future and want nothing more than to be accepted to my college of choice and become a successful individual.</p>

2

<p>Talk with your guidance counselor. Are the suspensions even on your transcript? I doubt the guidance office has to report a suspension from 8th grade, as that is not high school. Skipping the last hour of one day of class may not be on the transcript, or something that the GC can explain in the information s/he is required to give to colleges.</p>

3

<p>I wouldn’t worry about any episode prior to high school. One cut as a freshman shouldn’t be a problem if all your other criteria are competitive.</p>

4

<p>The 8th grade suspension will mean nothing unless your high school includes 8th grade. The suspension will he includes on your common app and you counselor will need to explain the infraction. It may not hurt you much, but it could affect you when being compared to students with stellar grades and no punishment at all.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for all the replies!
I figured the 8th grade suspension wouldn’t count, ill be sure to speak to my guidance counselor about my second one though.</p>

6

<p>Definitely talk to your guidance counselor – even the skipping one may not be reported by your GC.</p>