Do colleges look at your high school disciplinary record?

So, I'm getting kind of worried because I had a suspension earlier in my high school journey. Do colleges actually look at your disciplinary record, and if they do, how much does a suspension impact your chances of getting in?

Yes, colleges do often consider your high school disciplinary record when reviewing your application. Most applications, including the Common Application, have a section where your high school is required to report any disciplinary actions that resulted in a change of your educational status, which includes suspensions.

The impact of a suspension on your college admission chances can vary. It will depend on the context and severity of the incident, how you've grown from it, and what you've done since then. Colleges understand that students are still maturing and can make mistakes. What they look for is evidence of learning and positive change following an incident. It's important to address the situation head-on if given the opportunity—such as in an additional information section or essay—and reflect on the experience honestly and thoughtfully.

Taking responsibility for your actions and demonstrating personal growth can help mitigate the negative impact. Also, focusing on maintaining a strong academic record and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities will bolster your application. Remember, one mistake doesn't define you, and showing that you have used the experience as a catalyst for personal development can be seen as a positive by admissions committees.