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<p>This is a pretty clear case of rationalizing the end justiflying the means. If we can dispense with the silly examples of detentions associated with uniform violations and get back to the real case the OP is dealing with, it’s pretty clear that underage drinking resulting in suspension is exactly the sort of thing the Common Application is asking students to disclose. In addition to being in violation of school rules, underage drinking is actually against the law. I know many on here minimize drinking in high school as being harmless and having engaged in it themselves, rationalize tolerating it as “kids will be kids”. In fact, it’s a very serious social problem and while I don’t think it is always an indication that a kid is seriously off track, it can be an indication that they may be. I can’t see why a college wouldn’t want to know about this and have the applicant explain the circumstances so that the adcom can make a rational decision with as many facts as possible.</p>