<p>I am a sophomore in high school and was recently given a 5 day suspension w/ drug counseling for drug related issues by my school. I was told by the dean, the school is not legally permitted to release disciplinary information to colleges as long as it doesn't make it onto my transcript, which in most cases a 5 day suspension will not. After reading up on the topic, it seems that colleges ask directly if there have been disciplinary issues in my high school career. I am a student athlete with a very high GPA. How will this affect my chances of getting into Big10 schools?</p>
<p>nikonono, You’re a sophomore, so you have time to more than make up for your poor choice. Take the drug counseling seriously, turn it around and be an advocate for the program, and keep your GPA high. I’m aware that some selective liberal arts colleges ask that question about discipline, and some state schools ask that question when it comes time to sign up for housing. Be up front and frank when the time comes, but do everything in your power to show how you’ve learned from your mistake and get yourself on the right road. By the way, it may mean that you need to dis-associate with your “friends” that went down this path with you or before you. The company you keep also defines part of the character reflected back to you.</p>
<p>SnowflakeVT’s response was excellent. That’s exactly right. Colleges appreciate students whose lives haven’t been sheltered and perfect. They value students who’ve learned from mistakes, strengthened as a result of adversity etc. In the next two/three years, make it very clear that yes, you did become involved with drugs but that it was a learning experience. Demonstrate how committed you are turning yourself around and helping others to do the same. Colleges will respect you if you do.</p>
<p>You will need to address the suspension on the common application. There is a specific question on the common act asking about disciplinary issues (suspensions, expulsions etc)
If you write a very thoughtful answer and do not get in any more trouble, I don’t think this will be an issue for you</p>
<p>Agree with SnowflakeVT. My son had a brief suspension for anger/violence in Junior year after being bullied. We addressed it head on in the common app. He was accepted to 5 of 6 colleges, waitlisted for the 6th. We were worried it would mar his otherwise very good record, and did not, his acceptances exceeding our expectations.</p>
<p>You must be very proud of your son, biotech! Impressive comeback for sure.</p>