Do colleges look at disciplinary records?

Hey all, I'm slightly stressed about this. Do colleges have access to our high school disciplinary records? I had a minor incident, and I'm worried it might affect my chances of getting in.

Yes, colleges typically do look at disciplinary records as part of your application. When you're applying to college, your high school counselor usually submits a school report along with your transcripts, which can include information about any disciplinary actions taken against you during your time in high school.

However, don't let this stress you out too much. Colleges understand that people make mistakes, especially during their teenage years. If your incident was truly minor and an isolated event, it is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on your chances of admission.

If you're concerned about how the incident might be perceived, consider addressing it directly in your application. Many colleges offer an optional "additional information" section where you can explain any discrepancies or unusual circumstances in your application. Here, you can describe the situation, what you learned from it, and how you've grown as a person since then. Taking ownership of your actions and demonstrating growth and maturity can go a long way in assuaging any concerns the admissions committee might have.

In short, while colleges do have access to your disciplinary records, a minor incident will most likely not heavily impact your chances of admission, as long as you've shown growth and have an otherwise strong application. Good luck with the admissions process!