When applying to like every college on commonapp, they present you with a question that reads similar to this,
“Have you ever been charged with or subject to disciplinary action for scholastic or any other type of misconduct at any educational institution?”
In my jr year of high school, a friend got caught up being intoxicated at homecoming. She was caught by administration and taken to the hospital by ambulance. She faced disciplinary actions for being intoxicated on school grounds (alc was not consumed on school property). Because I was with her prior to entrance to school, security cameras saw and I was called to the deans. Not knowing what to do, I admitted that I consumed a bit out of curiosity, but didn’t like it and didn’t take in more than a sip. I was not told anything by administrators on the day of hoco, but because of my confession I was suspended for half a day of school. Currently, I am a high honors student with a 3.9uw gpa. Should this be reported to all colleges I apply to, and would it hurt my chances of getting in?
The honest answer is yes. However, you can own up to the mistake, take responsibility for it, and it likely will not negatively affect you. If you lie about it, however, and get caught, that will almost certainly negatively affect you.
Have you asked your school whether they will be reporting the incident - and whether they feel they must? Given the circumstances, assuming they are exactly as you describe them, I would do as they do.
I think you have to report this and assume your school will too. But I agree you should talk to your counselor. Ask for advice on how to write about it, assuming it will be reported. Come with a draft response that is as short and straightforward as possible and demonstrates that you take responsibility for your mistake and won’t repeat it.
This step is important because it will demonstrate maturity to your counselor, and that is likely to be reflected in what they say about you in the recommendation they write and, possibly, in how they report the incident.
The good news is I doubt this is something that would result in a negative admission outcome, especially if you handle this part
with maturity and grace.
Good luck!
ETA - you asked if you should report this to all colleges. I would only report it to those that ask about it. Many don’t (but maybe all of yours do?). This is also a good question to discuss with your counselor. Will the school report this to colleges that do not ask/should you do so?
Blockquote Not sure why you are asking the question.
Have you ever been charged? Yes
Were you subject to disciplinary action for any other type of misconduct? Yes
Seems sort of obvious…just saying.
I’m genuinely curious about your response @tsbna44 - it seems geared toward making OP feel like a fool (“why are you asking” and “seems obvious”). I hope that is not your actual intention but it reads that way to me. OP is in a tough spot having to face some consequences and is asking for adult advice. Kudos to OP for seeking guidance. Even if it “seems obvious” to you, why talk down to them? This student is nervous and asking for help. If our answers are along the lines of “why would you even ask this obvious question” it will certainly discourage others from asking questions in the future.
They are looking for justification to Cheat again? I actually don’t understand what you mean by that at all. This post isn’t about cheating. They were drinking before the football game, right?
But I do see now that you have a much more negative view of OP’s question. I read their question as “oh crap, I’m in trouble here. I’m scared, what do I do?” Whereas you seem to have interpreted to mean “how can I get away with lying?” I’m sorry you see it that way.
The answer remains to take responsibility with maturity and grace. I gave a specific suggestion for how they might do that, although there could be other suggestions of course.
To the OP - you can do this. You’re gonna be fine. Best wishes.
Like you said, I’m definitely not trying to “cheat” my way out of this- if I was then I wouldn’t have even asked in the first place and did it regardless. My counselor told me that it would not be reported on my transcript, so if I were to report it it would just be on my part which is why I asked if I should or shouldn’t in the first place.
I’ll definitely take time to report it concisely. Thank you again!
I don’t think you need to describe the whole incident with your friend. Maybe something like
“I was disciplined at school after acknowledging that I had consumed alcohol prior to arriving at a school event. This was a one time event, which I regret and won’t repeat. “
I’m not an expert here but I just think super short and to the point of what you did and that you won’t do it again. It was wrong. Don’t over blow it, don’t do it again.
The fact that the school doesn’t report it will further underscore that they don’t view it as a major incident.
Please do not blindly follow advice from people here. This is too important. You should consult with your parents and the school counselor. Colleges word the question differently and the response should be college dependent. Do not report this without the input of your parents and school.