You have your acceptance letter in hand and you’ve declared your intention to attend a specific college come fall. However, it’s important to know that in some specific yet serious circumstances, your college can revoke your admission. Here are some reasons a college could revoke your admission even before you’ve had a chance to attend.
You’ve Failed Your Senior Year
Senioritis is real. This can lead to a slight dip in grades. That on its own isn’t a big deal. But if grades slip significantly, then there’s a problem. Performing this poorly in your final year of high school could prompt them to revoke your admission.
Colleges will likely contact students who find themselves in this boat for an explanation. If the student can adequately explain the severe drop in grades, they may still attend in the fall.
You’re Guilty of Plagiarism
Colleges and universities take plagiarism very seriously. Plagiarism or cheating during your high school years can put your college education in jeopardy. Colleges do not mess around with this infraction and it is always taken extremely seriously.
You Broke Other College Agreements
Early decision is a college admissions process that allows a student to apply early with the promise that they will attend if they are accepted to the school. If a student accepts but does not honor the agreement, the second school may withdraw their offer. If you no longer want to attend your early decision school, the college may release you from the contract if you speak with them. However, they don’t always agree to the release.
You Were Suspended, Expelled, or Arrested
Your school will likely report it to your college if you’re suspended or expelled from your high school for dangerous, violent, illegal, or other serious acts. This is also the case if you are arrested and/or found guilty of a crime. Any of these offenses can lead to revoked admissions.
You Posted Offensive Material Online
Harvard has been in the headlines several times for rescinding admission from students who posted offensive material online. In one particularly notorious case, Harvard revoked 10 students’ admissions for their involvement in a Facebook group dedicated to racist and hateful memes.
Colleges don’t want to associate with anyone with reprehensible behavior and reserve the right to take back their acceptance. As such, it’s important to think before you post and educate yourself on tolerance–as there’s every likelihood your college will be diverse.
Can Colleges Revoke Your Admission?
In many cases, the college will allow a student to plead his or her case before the admissions acceptance is officially revoked. However, for these cases, students need to have convincing arguments – “I don’t know” will not cut it. If a school revokes your admissions, it’s essential to rethink your approach to college. You may want to attend a community college and try reapplying after your freshman year, for example. However, the best course of action is to prevent these four mistakes in the first place. Keep up with your grades, never plagiarize, honor your college admission agreements, and stay on the side of good behavior.
