<p>So, I did something really really really dumb at a debate tournament: I was really rustrated about a few things, and I wrote something really innapropriate in a book I found in this other school. I got iss for it, and I'm in 10th grade. This is in no way indicative of my character, and I was wondering if this could screw me out of going to college. I am very very bright and am interested in UPenn, Reed, Swarthmore and Princeton. </p>
<p>When it’s time to apply, make sure your guidance counselor adds an explanation to your report. If the GC says it’s out of character and you haven’t messed up since, that should undo most of the damage.</p>
<p>In School Suspensions are often reported as detentions, or not at all, on your school report to the colleges. Talk to your guidance counselor about how it will actually show on your record.</p>
<p>Regardless, when it comes time to submit your college applications, you should honestly and accurately report the incident. One disciplinary infraction is not going to keep you out of college, and the consequences of not disclosing something that later becomes known could be significantly worse than the consequences of simply disclosing it and explaining it.</p>
<p>Something new I just found out: if I don’t do anything for the rest of the year, it will be removed from my record. What should I do then?</p>
<p>If it’s removed from your record, you probably don’t need to do anything, but check with your college counselor next year to be sure. You will want to read the wording very carefully, and see how it corresponds to the question(s) that appear on applications (including Common App) regarding major disciplines. I doubt this will make or break your college prospects. Most schools are pretty forgiving, especially regarding a lack of impulse control as a freshman. </p>