College-Bound Seniors: Don’t Be Stupid

High school graduation is only a month away and seniors are gearing up for a great time of celebration. This will include unsupervised parties, ditching class to join carefree (or care-less) activities, pulling jokes and pranks on one another, and other “fun” acts. While this is a time of high spirits for the four-years of hard work and achievement, there’s a lot to lose if you’re not careful . . . especially for high school seniors going to college.

According to the latest issue of the State of College Admission (National Association for College Admission Counseling, September 2008, p.3), 35 percent of colleges reported they revoked offers of admission in fall 2007. A DROP IN FINAL GRADES was the most common reason for retractions; disciplinary actions against students ranked high on the list of reasons as well.

A word of warning for college-bound seniors: Those of you who already have accepted admission to your college of choice could have your offer revoked if your college receives a final grade transcript showing a significant drop in grades or hears word of any behavior problems. Decision letters from colleges are “conditional” contracts in which colleges can change their decisions from “accept” to “reject” at any time. Furthermore, a developing trend in college admissions is to closely evaluate indications of trouble with students’ academics and behavior.

College-bound students ending their high school career with poor grades or discipline problems may receive a letter from their college this summer that begins with the greeting, “We regret to inform you . . .” This would be a life-altering situation because by the time such a letter is received, it’s too late to apply for admission to any other college. Receiving a letter revoking college admission means you’re NOT going to college this year.

My advice? Continue to study and maintain your grades and keep clear of all bad decisions. Don’t get crazy with excitement and celebration and make a wrong decision that may ruin your chance for going to college.

You have worked too hard and have too much to lose.

For more information visit MyCollegeCalendar.org