Discipline Question on College Applications | How to Respond

From time to time, students ask me about the discipline question that appears on most college applications. If you have faced disciplinary action in high school, it need not disqualify you from admission to even the most competitive colleges and universities. In most cases, the application will request a written statement asking you to explain what happened. Here's how you can make the most of this opportunity and not let it get in your way:

1. Pay attention to the wording of the question and be honest.

Some applications will ask about any disciplinary violation for which you have been found responsible, while others will only ask for those which have resulted in probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion. If you check the “No” box when the answer is truly “Yes,” you are likely to get caught. Somewhere in your guidance counselor's report, with your transcript, or in teacher recommendations, the situation may be mentioned. Your application would then be immediately rejected.


2. Show an understanding of what you did and why it was a mistake.

The explanation should be more sophisticated than “I wish I hadn't gotten caught.” Provide a narrative of what happened and what was going through your mind at the time and in the days that followed. What factors played a role in the decision(s) that you made?


3. Make it clear that you learned something.

Don't bother promising not to make the same mistake once you're a student at ___ University. Instead, think about the broader implications of the issue at hand. How has it impacted your understanding of yourself, of your peers, and of society as a whole? What do you see as your role in the world, and how did this experience help to shape that?

With some careful thought and consideration, and an honest and open approach, you can turn this potentially negative question on the application into a deep exploration of your experience as a well-rounded human being. If you find yourself having to write this part of the application, take it seriously and show the admissions officers how you became the mature and experienced person you are today.

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5 Reasons Not to Be Discouraged By a Low GPA

1. Colleges look at the complete application package.

There may be a lot of factors working in your favor besides your high school GPA. The college application brings together many different elements of your achievements and experience. It's common for students to dwell on the negative factors and to become pessimistic about their chances of being accepted to their top-choice colleges. Keep in mind that this is not the same perspective the admissions officers will take.

2. Applications let you emphasize your strengths.

In your essay and interview, you get a clean slate. Take advantage of this chance to play up the best parts of your application. Highlight some experiences outside the classroom that have been especially important to you. Write about things you've accomplished, decisions you've had to make, and values that guide your life. Convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to be a leader on campus and an asset to the school.


3. You can show an upward trend.

If you still have a few semesters left of high school, make them your best. Admissions officers love to see signs of improvement on a student's transcript. Show that you take your work seriously and that you've learned how to be a great student. Some schools don't even include your marks from 9th grade in their own calculation of your GPA. If you can do well in your challenging junior and senior year classes, you'll be prepared for college-level work. Seek extra help from your teachers to master the course content, and show them that you're doing everything you can to perform at your best. If your parents are willing to invest in tutoring, this is the time when it can benefit you the most.


4. If personal or family factors affected your grades, you can point this out.

College life is not easy. If you've faced challenges and worked to overcome them, this is a valuable strength that will help you to make the most of your college experience. It's okay if your grades went down around the time of a death in the family, a divorce, an illness or injury, or other personal circumstance. Even if you simply had trouble adjusting to high school and it took you a year or two to get settled, that may be worth writing about. Tell the admissions committee about these events in your life and how they've affected you. Not only does this explain your low grades, it personalizes your application and gives the admissions officers some insight into your life.


5. Many schools offer a conditional acceptance.

If you're an outstanding applicant except for some lower-than-ideal grades, you may be offered a conditional acceptance. You go to your dream school and, as long as you maintain a certain GPA during your first year (or two years), you're there to stay. This gives you a chance to prove that you can be successful in the new and exciting campus environment. Once you're in just do your best, seek help when you need it, and everything should work out just fine.

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Kaplan Live Online SAT Prep Course Review

Get Into College Blog reader Julia is taking a Kaplan live online SAT prep course. In this blog post, she describes her experience in the second week of the course.

Julia's Live Online Kaplan SAT Course Review:

In the past week I have had two classes and one test. The SAT course book we get for the online classes has been helping me keep up with what the instructor is saying and while I do the homework or studying I look back on what we learned previously. There is space to do your own work and to take notes also.

The first test I took, the diagnostic test, I didn't do well because all the work was overwhelming, but the last test I took I used many of the tricks and strategies I learned and I think I did a lot better this time. Before each class, there are recommended videos to watch so that you have knowledge of the subject before it is taught. I don't watch all the videos, but they are all helpful and if you pay attention you really do understand what they are saying. The course is preparing me to take the SAT in May, and I am confident that I will be prepared.

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