<p>My S was suspended for having his own prescription meds as a Junior is HS. No arrest but a long suspension that caused us to enroll him in a private HS for a semester. Our GC is recommending that we visit colleges and have an interview with admissions BEFORE we even apply to give us a chance to describe the situation and ask them if they would even consider him.</p>
<p>Does this sound like a valid way to approach this?</p>
<p>Why did the school suspend him for having his own prescription meds with him. I understand there must be a rule against it (without a doctor’s order) but I can’t imagine that this would lead to a suspension in our school system.</p>
<p>In our school district, having any drugs, regardless of whether it is your own prescription or not, is definitely grounds for suspension, as well as expulsion. With kids trading and selling all kinds of drugs, there is a zero tolerance policy. If meds need to be taken during school hours, students must report to the school nurse to take them, even with a doctor’s order.</p>
<p>I definitely think it is a good idea to talk with admissions at schools before applying. Is you gc willing to address the suspension in his.her report. Are there extenuating circumstances, other than the fact it was his own prescription. My guess is the type of meds in question could make a difference in the offense is viewed.</p>
<p>Well, he also had chewing tobacco and there is a zero tolerance policy.</p>
<p>Just wanted to say that in our district, a physician can write an order for a student to carry his/her med and self medicate. </p>
<p>I think it depends on what the drug was (was it something that others might want), how many pills he had (the number he needed that day, or the bottle), why he had them, and if there was any evidence that he was sharing or selling them. </p>
<p>If it was an honest mistake, I would certainly try to explain it and hope that colleges would be open to this possibility.</p>
<p>My question is really about the protocol of having a “pre-application” interview. Is this something that is done? Would meeting with one of the admission counselors be effective or are they more marketing people?</p>
<p>I can always go on a campus tour and meet with the counselor on duty, but I’m not sure if this would get us in to talk with the right person.</p>