Do Disciplinary Referrals in High/Middle School Affect College Acceptance?

DartmouthBound
Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:19:23 +0000

I have a few friends who are basically in the top 1% or 2% of our class, but have gotten a disciplinary referral (sent to the principal’s office, usually 1-3 days of suspension) in middle school or high school. I have never gotten one, and I don’t really plan on it, but I was curious about these people.

Will colleges look at the referral and have it highly affect their choice on whether or not to accept the student?

My one friend got a referral for ‘disobedience’ in 8th grade when he tried to get his book from his locker after the bell had rang and the teacher told him to come in the classroom.

The other friend got a referral in 9th grade for (playfully, kind of jokingly) smashing a locker closed on some kid’s head. He had a big gash and she was suspended for 3 days.

Will these disciplinary referrals affect their chances of getting into colleges?