<p>USMA has lots of great spirit missions: provided the senior prank wont bar a candidate from graduating high school, is it a horrible idea?</p>
<p>Ah, the senior prank. It always seemed like a great idea at the time. It seems that most senior pranks I hear about these days are destructive, and that’s not good. It’s always a guy or girl who comes up with some bright idea that tends to go awry and everybody is left pointing the finger at each other. There are many ways to get your acceptance into an academy withdrawn, a police report might be one of them. If it is something that is simply a “gotcha”, then that might be acceptable, but who decides what is acceptable, you or the administration? Therein lies the conundrum. Creativity is the key. Filling up a teacher’s room with balloons MIGHT be ok, but filling it up with water probably wouldn’t. It can be a very fine line and you’re not the one who gets to decide what is simply funny and what is criminal. Be careful.</p>
<p>Wait for the fun at West Point…</p>
<p>My d’s guidance counselor warned her senior class not to do anything stupid and make good decisions, that colleges do rescind admissions offers. </p>
<p>If you’re not sure if your prank will be considered “fun” vs. “vandalism” ask a responsible adult first - like your parents or call your local police dept. I know it sounds like it would take the fun out of it, but these people were young once too - plus they’ll know if you’re going to step over the line. They may even be able to give you some good, acceptable, ideas based on their past. 
If it’s something that you wouldn’t be able to ask an adult, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it anyway. </p>
<p>You have a huge amount riding on your behavior and decisions now. Even a traffic ticket may become a problem. Think (maybe several times) before you act.</p>
<p>a traffic ticket is a problem?!</p>
<p>Not if it’s a minor violation, don’t fret over that. If you get one for drinking and driving however, well that’s another story…</p>