The Common App: A Disciplinary History of Your (Hopefully) Not-So-Shady Past
Let’s face it, college applications can be a real drag. You’re already stressed about your grades, SAT scores, and extracurriculars. And then there’s that dreaded question about disciplinary history.
“Oh, great,” you might be thinking, “Now I have to relive that time I got caught trying to sneak a burrito into the school play. I’m practically a criminal!”
Fear not, my friend! While the Common App no longer directly asks about disciplinary history, colleges still have access to your records, and a little slip-up can make you feel like you’re being interrogated by the Spanish Inquisition. So, how do you navigate this minefield of potential embarrassment?
The Good News: Your Past Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this. Everyone has made mistakes, and colleges understand that. Minor infractions (like forgetting to bring your hall pass or accidentally leaving your phone in the library) are usually not a big deal.
The Key is Transparency and Maturity
The most important thing is to be honest and straightforward. Don’t try to sugarcoat things or make excuses. Own your actions and demonstrate that you’ve learned from your mistakes.
Think of it this way: Colleges aren’t looking for saints. They’re looking for well-rounded individuals who can learn from their experiences and grow.
So, How Do You Actually Write About This?
Let’s break it down:
1. The Facts:
- Keep it brief: One or two sentences should suffice.
- State the facts clearly: “In my sophomore year, I was given a warning for violating the school’s dress code.”
- Avoid blaming others: “I was late to class because my bus was delayed” is not a good look.
- Don’t dwell on the details: Focus on the relevant information and move on.
2. The Reflection:
- Show growth: “This experience taught me the importance of following the school’s rules and how my actions can impact others.”
- Demonstrate accountability: “I take full responsibility for my actions and have since made an effort to be more mindful of my behavior.”
- Focus on the positive: “This experience helped me learn the value of time management and the importance of being prepared.”
3. The Future:
- Show that you’ve learned from your mistakes: “I’ve become more responsible and have made a conscious effort to avoid similar situations in the future.”
- Highlight your commitment to academic success: “I’m committed to being a responsible and respectful member of the college community.”
But What If It’s More Serious?
Okay, let’s say you did something a little more drastic, like, for example, accidentally setting off the fire alarm during a school dance (we’ve all been there).
In this case, you need to be even more careful.
- Don’t try to hide it: Colleges will likely find out anyway.
- Be honest about the circumstances: “I was trying to create a surprise for my friend, but my actions resulted in an unnecessary safety concern.”
- Explain the consequences: “I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of following safety regulations and taking responsibility for my actions. I was required to complete community service and attend a safety awareness workshop.”
- Focus on the positive: “This experience has helped me understand the importance of making responsible decisions and the impact my choices can have on others.”
Remember, even if you have a more serious disciplinary history, you can still present yourself as a mature and responsible individual.
A Few Tips To Remember:
- Don’t Panic: It’s not the end of the world.
- Be Honest: Tell the truth!
- Be Reflective: Show that you’ve learned from your mistakes.
- Be Positive: Focus on the future and your ability to contribute to the college community.
The Bottom Line:
Your disciplinary history doesn’t define you. It’s just one part of your story. By being honest, reflective, and proactive, you can demonstrate that you’re capable of learning and growing from your experiences. And that’s exactly what colleges are looking for.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or have more questions about how to address your disciplinary history on the Common App, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community for support and guidance. They’re here to help you navigate this process and present your best self to colleges.
Good luck! You got this.