Consequences of Skipping Classes?

Just how bad is it to skip a class in high school? My attendance record ain't exactly perfect, so I'm a bit worried this is going to look bad when I apply for colleges. Anyone know how much weight attendance has in admissions?

It's important to understand that every part of your high school experience can potentially influence your college admissions process, including your attendance record. Poor attendance could be seen as a lack of commitment, discipline or respect for education, which aren't qualities that colleges admire in their applicants.

However, keep in mind that admissions officers primarily focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, essays, and letters of recommendation. Attendance records aren't typically a part of the transcripts that high schools send to colleges, unless the absences become so substantial that they impact your grades or you're penalized on your transcript for excessive absences.

Should your absences impact your grades or if you've been held back a year, that's when it becomes an issue. If there is a valid reason for your absences such as a medical issue or personal crisis, it may be worth briefly addressing this in your application's "additional information" section to provide some context around your circumstances.

Remember, regular attendance is crucial, not just for the evident sake of learning, but also because it demonstrates a level of discipline and commitment to your studies, which are qualities that colleges value. You'll also be more likely to participate in class and develop relationships with teachers, who could later provide strong recommendation letters for your applications.

So, in short, try to avoid missing classes when you can. Get into the habit of regular attendance now, as it'll also serve you well in college, where you'll have even greater freedom – and responsibility – for your learning.