<p>How much of an effect does a suspension have?
Sophomore year I got in a bit of a scuffle, my school has a zero tolerance policy and I got suspended. Do I at least get a chance to explain it on the new common app?</p>
<p>Yes, you do. While I wouldn’t trivialize it I also would not be whiny about how you were in the right. You would be better off showing what you learned from the event.</p>
<p>You get a chance to explain yourself. While this may affect your chances of getting into a school, being honest is the best thing you can do in that situation. Tell them the truth. Lying about it may get you in more trouble than anything else.</p>