Long story short, I got into an altercation on the bus this morning and now have a 3 day suspension. What I want to know, is how does this affect my chances of getting into a good college? (I'm in Cali and am hoping to enter Stanford or U.C. Berkeley.)
I'm a sophomore and have an unweighted 4.00 GPA. I've never even gotten a detention before. I get on excellently with all my teachers, write a column for a local newspaper, am the assistant editor at an area youth art and literary magazine (and the only actual "youth" on staff), am a student advisor to the superintendent, have started volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, am being featured in the sophomore section of the yearbook, and just this weekend I scored the second highest score in the county at the Academic Decathlon competition- the highest score in the school history- and took home 7 medals
But now there's this suspension. How badly is this gonna hurt? Can I turn it around by making it a learning experience?
2007-02-08 14:46:52 · 12 answers · asked by RedRay 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Colleges generally do not review your high school records. You have the option to reveal your suspension in your personal statement but it is a risky move (it could backfire). You have an excellent profile so don't stress and keep up your good work in school. Try to stay out of trouble for the sake of your own sanity and stay focused on your long term goal (college).
2007-02-09 08:41:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Wow, something must of really ticked you off on the bus. You will ruin your college efforts if you let your anger get the best of you all the time. However, this one time altercation will not affect your college chances. Just don't let it happen again. I would also talk to the principle and tell him you don't know what came over you. They already know you are a good student. I remember when I lost my cool, when I had enough, and then I freaked OMG what is this going to do to my future. You lost your cool, your just human, if it was a one time thing no worries. You can only handle so much. Keep up the great work in your studies and school. Just watch the temper level with those who you will never see again most likely after you graduate. Be the best you can be. For you.
2007-02-08 15:01:20 · answer #2 · answered by hbuckmeister 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The college deans don't care if you've gotten suspension and/or a detention. They only care for all three factors: your grades (esp. junior and senior year), the SAT scores, and the application (i.e. your essay and your interview). In the application, it's not gonna ask you if you've been in trouble or whatever, just how well and dedicated you are with education and extracurricular/outside activities, which is a definite plus.
Your situation can be helpful to answer a question either on the essay or the interview, if it's appropriate of course. But if it is, you definitely do wanna point what you learned about the sitch and yourself, and if it positively impacted the school or such.
Overall, don't worry about it for college-applying; just keep up and congratulate yourself with all your great work and time!
2007-02-08 15:00:11 · answer #3 · answered by Fia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-----It should not hurt your going to college, but you want to be careful not to dig yourself in deeper. You should carefully obey all the conditions of the suspension. You want to make it clear that that is not your normal self; that you can and do obey the law. Yes, it can difinitely be a learning experience. People who have never had problems, have never fallen, may not have learned how to pick themselves up and go on. As a sophomore, by the time you go to college, it will be a distant memory. Without knowing more details, it is hard to say who is at fault. You have a fine record, I would not worry about it hurting your going to college. In fact, your suspension may be a "badge of honor." ---Jim
2007-02-08 14:59:19 · answer #4 · answered by James M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have an excellent record. I'm sure this won't have an effect on your chances of getting into either college. The colleges will focus more on your grades and extracurriculars, rather than one altercation in your sophomore year.
2007-02-08 14:56:26 · answer #5 · answered by rocky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The applications for college do not ask about suspensions. Your GPA, etc. is by far more important to colleges than a behavioral issue from your sophomore year.
2007-02-08 14:52:24 · answer #6 · answered by MaryE 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One thing that hasn't been mentioned that will hurt you is the ability to get quality recommendations from teachers, counselors, and administrators. While one minor incident should not affect this, any history of behavior problems will certainly influence the recommendations that people will write for you.
2007-02-08 18:06:28 · answer #7 · answered by aedesign 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a possibility it might hurt your chances, but you're still a sophomore and if you stay out of trouble the next couple of years you should be o.k.
2007-02-08 14:58:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problemo... I used to get into daily brawls at my school and and not only was I offered a FULL RIDE scholarship to "Putnam Business Academy of Greater Fresno", they even offered to give me a 10% discount on a city bus pass to get there for my class.
(Plus my 2.12 GPA didn't hurt either!)
So you keep scrappin' away there, kiddo. Don't take no guff from no one.
2007-02-08 16:37:59 · answer #9 · answered by johnny_zonker 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, stuff like this happens all the time. Do not worry
2007-02-08 16:05:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋