Does middle school suspension have negative effect on USAFA admission?

L

lookforE.T.

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Aug 14, 2017
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Hi,
I have an one day suspension in 8th grade. Does USAFA admission officers look at middle school discipline record? My high school is in the same district as my middle school, they share students' info.
Thank you.
 
Are you sure the suspension is even in your records. From experience, a lot of schools dont put this info on the "permanent record" and dont notify colleges about it anyway.
 
Don't worry. Just do your best. I'd worry about illegal activities, drug usage, scoliosis, eczema, bad eyesight, and North Korea, but one day in the 8th grade is nothing to worry about. (Assuming you didn't get a police record)

And by the way, all of the above things have been waivered before. (Not sure about N Korea)
 
DS had a 1 day suspension in HS, had to disclose details on SA app but no DQ (no drugs, no violence just garden variety stupidity.)

Didn't keep him from 2 S.A. appointments.

Disclose if asked but I expect Jr. High records are not on the radar.
 
Sorry to hijack an older thread but I have a similar but slightly different question about my son, who is in the process of starting the applications.

When he was in 8th grade, he and three friends went "urban exploring" in an abandoned grain mill in town and were cited by the police for trespassing. There was no conviction, court appearance, fingerprinting etc. but he had to meet with the property owners and write them a letter of apology. He found out that the owners were concerned about someone getting hurt (it was an attractive nuisance) but they were not allowed to tear the mill down because it was on an historical preservation list. Nevertheless, he has a citation on his record.

The records are sealed, as is the citation, but will obviously be found in any TS clearance investigation. He owns it, realizes it was a stupid thing to do, and has moved on. He will disclose this on SA application. But he (and I, frankly) are concerned that it will be a non-starter for being competitive.

Some perspective or advice would be appreciated.
 
ders_dad,

Honestly, if that is the worst your son has done, I wouldn't worry.

Considering how many applicants, now appointees, have tried/used marijuana, had speeding tickets, or other offenses, trespassing with no destruction of property (I'm guessing) shouldn't be a problem as long as he owns up to it.
 
Just my 2 cents, but if it was in Middle School and all they look at are his first 6 semester grades from High School, I seriously doubt that they would care. Mentioning it is always a good idea though - because if he doesn't - it could be construed as "an omission" later.

The truth never changes. Always tell the truth. It's a whole lot easier than remembering what you lied about.
 
Long time poster, posting as a sock for what I hope will be obvious reasons.

I always have to chuckle when a parent or an applicant asks "Will [minor infraction] keep me/ my kid out?"

My story: I attended USNA in the not-distant past. During one of the Republican admins, as a young stupid dork growing up in a liberal family, I called the White House switchboard and said, "Someone should just kill President ____ and get it over with." Mind you, I was 13, too young to really feel this way and obviously too stupid to understand what would happen next.

You guessed it: the Secret Service showed up at our door and talked to my parents and me. Put the fear of God in me. My dad made me sleep in a tent in the backyard for two weeks while I learned to appreciate what I had and how everyone regardless of politics or religion deserved respect and civility.

Fast forward 3.5 years and I'm applying to USNA. "Have you ever threatened the President or to overthrow the government of the US?"

Uh-oh.

Handled it with my BGO, told the truth, had to answer a few other questions, got in.

Note I do NOT recommend anyone try this! However, kids are exactly that. They are impulsive and they lack any sort of understanding of the full consequences of actions like this. Tell the truth, report only what is asked (don't volunteer), do not dismiss or minimize (hello Brock Turner's dad, I'm lookin' at you), and rest knowing that one event of childhood is vastly unlikely to overrule a whole young human being with four years' worth of grades, test scores, athletic results, and recommendations.
 
ders_dad said:
I mean no disrespect, but I shot coffee out my nose when I read this story! Thanks - you made our day!
Click to expand...

None taken! Let's just say, I'll bet there is a very, very small number of USxA entries who have to reference a Secret Service file number on their SF-86s!
 
ders_dad: I grew up in a time when you fought in school to defend your honor (or someone else's), local cops drove you home if they suspected you had been drinking, and kids did stupid things - lots of them. Its a wonder we survived it all. But some of us went to service academies, got ROTC scholarships or enlisted and served with distinction.

I believe the military should hold its members to high standards of conduct- higher than the general population. I think incoming members should be vetted and critically judged on moral character, intelligence, and other appropriate criteria. But I do not think we should expect those applying to be "water walkers." In fact, I think an applicant who has lived life on the edge is more of what we need. We need warriors, not risk-adverse, "perfect on paper", unblemished applicants who haven't experienced some brushes with the rougher side of "normal."

There are those who will not agree with me - I accept that. But the Marines I served with were not perfect before they joined or afterwards. The job we ask them to do doesn't require a "clean slate." It requires a morally strong, fierce, warrior who believes in himself, those around him and those who are supporting his actions.

Your DS did a stupid thing. If he learned from it I say its not an issue. Take ownership as others have said - that is the moral component to my points. I am not excusing serious crimes or morally bankrupt actions. But, for goodness sakes, I hope those that are racking and stacking applicants can look past youthful discretions.

Stepping off my soapbox effective immediately.
 
Grunt; sounds like you and I grew up around the same time. I may even be a bit older. But I agree with what you're saying. But it seems like "Times, they are a changin". Seems like if you do drugs or other crimes, it may be overlooked. But if you do or say anything that is considered "Politically Incorrect", they want to hang you from your toes and castrate you.

Having said that; as long as what you did in school isn't a criminal offense where you have a criminal record; especially prior to high school; it's pretty much a non-issue to worry about.
 
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