Lying about Disciplinary probation record for MSF applications?
No this isn't a troll article, I'm curious what people think of the following situation.
So I'm considering apply for a few MSF programs just as a backup to not getting a FT offer( have lots of stuff in process, but you never know) and I was looking through the application and theres one checkbox that talks about have you ever been placed on academic or disciplinary probation.
During my sophomore year of college a party I was at got busted and I ended up being placed on disciplinary probation for the remained of the semester. It was nothing crazy, and nothing recorded with the law, but according to my "record" at the school I have one semester on disciplinary probation for underage drinking or something like that. This hasn't affected me in the slightest in the remainder of my time and I haven't had any infractions since.
My question is do you think it is better to just say no on the checkbox, considering it was an minor incident and not likely to come up during the admissions process? Or to just check yes? I am leaning towards just being honest, but my concern is that once the admissions office sees the yes to a probation related event, that they will almost immediately blacklist me or not give me a chance to explain the situation.
What do you guys think?
I fail to see how it won't come up in the admissions process if it's on your academic record and the grad schools you apply to will surely want to see your official academic record...am I missing something?
What the hell school asks that? I was on both academic and disciplinary after my first semester... they kind of go hand in hand. I never knew that would matter at all. I think half my dorm was on disciplinary....
You shouldn't lie about that. Be honest and if there's a supplementary essay explain the circumstance.
Lol @yeahright , my whole dorm floor was full of troublemakers frosh year too. Everyone got in trouble for something at least once, it was like a rite of passage. To answer your question OP, do not lie- they will find out. Honesty is the best policy.
Request an official transcript from the school right now. See if it says anything about being on probation.
If not, then I probably wouldn't mention it ever again.
Spot-on, great advice. (No, not being sarcastic)
mrharveyspecter -
Unless you were suspended or expelled, I'd be pretty shocked if your academic transcript listed anything tied to the disciplinary probation. It's definitely a good idea to double check, though, but mostly so you can best figure out how to address it in your application. Do what you will, but I think you should check the "yes" box. Once you do that, a free-text box will likely open up and ask for more details or you'll be instructed to explain in an optional essay (and it doesn't need to be a 500-word essay. A few sentences will likely suffice.).
Every application I've ever reviewed asks this kind of crime/conduct question . . . risk management/general counsel requires it as a CYA for the school. Honestly, I don't see your particular situation as being a very big deal to the adcom. Cheating - yes. Violent behavior - yes. Misdemeanors/felonies - probably, but even then it depends on the scenario. DUIs can be sticky, but even those aren't guaranteed to sink you.
Jon
Jon,
Thanks for your comment. So as someone who works in admission consulting, you don't think that disciplinary probation would be a deciding factor for adcoms if the rest of the application was strong?
I know that question was directed to Jon and I'll defer to him for obvious reasons, but I'll chime in and say that I don't think it will affect your standing if you admit it, whereas I imagine you'll definitely be screwed if you exclude it and it comes out later.
Thanks for the insights everyone. I'm still a month or two out from sending in my applications, but I'm sure I'll just check yes and explain myself. Seems to be a pretty minor issue and I hope it won't affect my application too much.
I did however order a copy of my official transcript and there is nothing mentioned about disciplinary probation.
Will have zero impact on your application. As mentioned above, request a copy of your transcripts and if it isn't on there don't mention it.
Thanks TNA, I always appreciate your insight.
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