I have recieved two suspensions so far in my school. One was because I was wrongfully accused of stealing ten dollars from my school office (I lost $10 at the same spot, so I realized that it was mine). The second one was because I shared a teacher’s files to my google drive. But, I never viewed them because I thought that I had made a mistake. Both of these issues occurred at the middle of my sophomore year in high school. Then onwards, I have been maintaining a clean track record with many ECs, leadership works, 1570 SAT, and 3.4 GPA
Sorry, I sent it without adding onto my statement.
I have a a 3.4 GPA with mostly accelerated classes. I have done 5 Dual Enrollment courses in my local community college. I am a finalist in these international competitions: International Astronomy & Astrophysics Competition and the Breakthrough Junior challenge. I want to apply for the College of Engineering. What do you think my chances are for getting in?
I also am the founder of an active educational outreach non-profit program. I have done two software internships. I have research experience with a professor from NJIT and have helped NASA figure out as many as 400 asteroids in the Kuiper Belt.
Unfortunately having disciplinary action can count against you. The salutatorian from my school a few years ago was a very capable student who received a suspension for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and while we all expected him to go to an ivy tier school, he ended up at a much less competitive school (though he is doing great now). While I highly doubt any college would reject you purely on the basis of a suspension, having 2 can definitely make them pause. Since it was 2 years ago and you have an amazing application since, strong recommendations that reinforce the fact that you are a good person and dedicated student will more than make up for it. Honestly, I would be less worried about suspensions (nothing you can do about that) and more worried on making sure that your guidance counselor knows you (if they don’t know anything about you and just see the suspensions when reading their records about you, you might get a less than stellar recommendation). One other thing is that the interview is a lot about seeing that you would fit, so try and have a good interview as well. In your spot, I definitely would apply to umich and other competitive schools and I think you have a pretty good chance at getting into some.
Your 3.4 GPA alone will likely make highly selective schools (like UMich OOS engineering) high reaches.
Add two suspensions of the nature you describe, and it seems these schools are likely unattainable.
Your ECs seem very impressive, but whether they can compensate for a relatively low GPA and the suspensions is up to the AOs.
Certainly apply to some reaches, but make sure to have a handful of matches, and at least one affordable safety.
Is your GC going to address the suspensions in their rec letter? What has been their feedback as you are building your college list?
The suspensions are likely to be hard to overcome when applying to competitive schools as there is just too much competition.
If I understand correctly, you received suspensions for two separate instances of theft–one from the school and another from a teacher at your school.
Maybe there was some difficulty at that time of your life which made you act out in a rebellious manner. You need to be prepared to deal with these disciplinary issues in an honest & straightforward manner. Consider admitting your mistakes & sharing that you accept responsibility and have grown beyond this type of behavior if asked to explain.
Sometimes the world is unforgiving so be sure to apply to a few safety schools.
What do you think he can do to increase his chances?