<p>I am a senior currently in school.
In freshman year, I was emergency expelled (basically a two-week suspension) for creating software applications that exploited our school laptops and distributing it (the software) among my classmates. It basically removed all security on our macbook's.
That was my only blemish on my record, and I was wondering if I should include it into my essays. It did make my GPA that year low (2.9, 3.0), as well as other issues with my family. However, sophomore and junior year, I took honors as well as AP's, and got 3.6 and 3.7 respectively. My cumulative is currently about 3.4, and as of now, I'm taking 1 AP class (I only have 3 classes at my school because of running start). At CC, I'm taking Math 142, Econ, English 101, Accounting, and possibly Intro to programming. I know what I'm going to major in.
My question is, do I include the expulsion and somehow use that to my advantage? Do I have a good chance in going to a good school? I scored above 1800 on my SAT's, and I'm taking the ACT's this weekend. I know some parts of this thread relates to more than just this question, but I wanted to include it anyways. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would definitely address it and try to show that you know it was a mistake and have matured as a result of it. I don’t think you can really hope to use it to your advantage, it seems like more of a damage-control thing at this point</p>
<p>i’d make a wiser move, and instead of doing the whole ‘im sorry, i erred’ myself, i’d beg my counselor to put it in my letter of recommendation. It’ll assert that the school has seen that you’re better than what you did and they’ve put it in the past, and even if it was bad, they don’t feel hesitant in recommending you openly…</p>
<p>I had a slipping gpa because we had to move and i changed schools, so i asked my counselor to put the whole story of me moving in her letter of recommendation, and she said she did… i think it gets better if its someone with authority mentioning something sensitive like this</p>
<p>Agreed with jgraider, there’s really no way to turn it into a positive; all you can hope for is that you can make it a little less awful. I’d definitely address it, focusing on what you’ve learned since then, making sure to NOT make excuses. Take all blame.</p>
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<p>Yes, but a slipping GPA is a very different scenario from a two week disciplinary suspension</p>
<p>Yes it is… But im just saying that getting someone in authority say something about it seems like the school’s over it too now, and that they understand its serious but they’re ready to overlook it and recommend him just as enthusiastically…</p>
<p>its just a suggestion i thought he cud use… its alright if it doesn’t work for you…</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the replies guys. Too bad the school I want to apply to doesn’t except rec letters… yes, I’ll definitely take all the blame and explain how I’m no longer that delinquent. Thanks guys</p>