How much does this hurt my chances?

StudentInWisconsin

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Oct 26, 2008
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Ok so I'm applying to class of 2014, I have a 700 math and 770 english SAT with a 3.8 gpa (4.3 weighted) and quite a few AP/Honors courses. I'm doing alright on extracurriculars, and so far my application looks pretty good with one BIG exception. I was suspended from school last (junior) year for a few days and presented with minor legal trouble after getting involved in a school fight. So what I'm asking is, is there any chance that I could still get in? I understand that it hurts me a lot, but is it even worth applying?
 
It never hurts to apply

My suggestion is that you go ahead and apply. I think there is some kind of special board when things like this are a concern...if I am remembering correctly. Other than that, your record looks great. I am sure a BGO could offer more advice. Good luck and NO MORE FIGHTING!
 
Contact your BGO and he/she will help you navigate the waters. Many schools have a zero tolerance, so even if you were defending yourself you would still get in as much trouble as throwing the first punch.

I would still apply.
 
Here is the official story from USNA . . . whether school trouble or a legal infraction will hurt you depends on the underlying reasons. Minor school or community disciplinary issues are unlikely to hurt you. However, you MUST disclose them -- lying about them will definitely hurt you.

If you have been in trouble for any of the following (not an inclusive list, just examples), your road to USNA will be much tougher: DUI/DWI, drug use, rape, murder, etc. Also multiple times with the same problem.

As part of the Admissions process, USNA uses a "Character Board" that evaluates character issues and makes recommendations to the Admissions Board and, as necessary, the Superintendent. They recognize that even good kids can get into trouble and that is not always an automatic grounds for rejection.

Go ahead and apply and, whatever you do, TELL THE TRUTH. If they later find out that you lied about something, that will likely be an automatic disqualifier.
 
If you have been in trouble for any of the following (not an inclusive list, just examples), your road to USNA will be much tougher: DUI/DWI, drug use, rape, murder, etc.

Sorry, I just had to chuckle at this one. :biggrin::wink::biggrin:

But I agree, never take yourself out of the race. Good luck!
 
^^^

There are probably other serious felonies that will doom your chances; USNA happened to mention these as obvious ones. In general, it likely depends on the circumstances involved, when it occurred, etc.

The emphasized that the occasional parking or speeding ticket isn't a huge deal. 20 speeding tickets might be a different story.

Also, some folks think that, because a crime occurred as a juvenile, the record will be sealed -- and generally that's true. However, this stuff often comes out in a teacher rec, a notice in the newspaper that the BGO sees, etc. And, as noted, if it comes out later, you're in trouble for lying about it. So, best to be up front about what happened.
 
Ok thanks for the advice you guys, I'll just disclose everything on the application, talk to my BGO about it and hope for the best.
 
My son also got in a fight and was suspended 5 day from school and was sited by P.D. (zero tolarence school).
Today he is at NAPS. So don't worry about it, BUT DO NOT TRY TO HIDE IT. We all make mistakes, just learn not to make the some ones.

GOOD LUCK
 
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