Does In-School Suspension get recorded?

A little bit embarrassed to ask, but does an in-school suspension go on your high school record? I’m worried that colleges will see this and think less of my application. Is it something that I need to address in my college apps?

Firstly, there's no need to be embarrassed. We're here to help clarify these confusions. In most cases, an in-school suspension doesn't appear on your high school transcript, which is the document most colleges look at during the application process. High school transcripts typically include your coursework, grades, and any honors or awards you've received, not disciplinary matters.

However, the Common Application and some individual college applications do ask if you have been disciplined at school. So, if you are asked directly, it's important to answer honestly. Know that a single mistake doesn't define your entire high school career, especially if you learned from it and didn't make the same mistake again.

You have the opportunity to explain the situation in the additional information section if you feel it’s necessary. Try to spin it in a positive light. Mention what you learned from the experience and how you have grown since. This can demonstrate to admissions officers that you are capable of learning from your mistakes, which is a valuable trait. Being upfront and sincere about it can work much better in your favor than trying to hide or downplay the situation. Remember, colleges are aware that mistakes happen, it's the growth that follows that they are interested in.