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austin81828
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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 26 Sep 2023, 00:22
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If I had a disciplinary record in university, should I mention it when applying for an MBA application, even if it doesn't appear on my transcript?

During university, I encountered a situation during an exam where the distribution of exam papers was underway. The person seated behind me was absent, so when the exam papers were handed out, I placed mine on my desk temporarily. However, I didn't realize that I had also placed some materials I was reviewing before the exam on the desk as well. Later, when I handed the exam paper to the person behind, I began my exam without noticing that a large sheet of paper from my pre-exam review was left underneath the large exam paper, which I completely overlooked. Later, the exam invigilator noticed the irregular paper and found that I had a sheet that did not belong to the exam papers, leading to a disciplinary action against me. I appealed to the school, but they were unwilling to accept it.

I am wondering, if the school commissions a third-party organization to investigate students' academic backgrounds, will they specifically ask whether this student has ever had a disciplinary record?

I am seeking advice on how to handle this situation. Should I mention it under the following section of the application, even though there is nothing about this incident on my transcript?
Disciplinary action by college or university: Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution you have attended from undergraduate (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in a disciplinary action?
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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 26 Sep 2023, 01:46
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austin81828
If I had a disciplinary record in university, should I mention it when applying for an MBA application, even if it doesn't appear on my transcript?

During university, I encountered a situation during an exam where the distribution of exam papers was underway. The person seated behind me was absent, so when the exam papers were handed out, I placed mine on my desk temporarily. However, I didn't realize that I had also placed some materials I was reviewing before the exam on the desk as well. Later, when I handed the exam paper to the person behind, I began my exam without noticing that a large sheet of paper from my pre-exam review was left underneath the large exam paper, which I completely overlooked. Later, the exam invigilator noticed the irregular paper and found that I had a sheet that did not belong to the exam papers, leading to a disciplinary action against me. I appealed to the school, but they were unwilling to accept it.

I am wondering, if the school commissions a third-party organization to investigate students' academic backgrounds, will they specifically ask whether this student has ever had a disciplinary record?

I am seeking advice on how to handle this situation. Should I mention it under the following section of the application, even though there is nothing about this incident on my transcript?
Disciplinary action by college or university: Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution you have attended from undergraduate (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in a disciplinary action?
Show more


austin81828

The world is far from perfect, and nobody is flawless. Schools understand that not everyone can be a paragon of virtue without any blemishes. We've all faced challenges and have had our share of missteps during our school and college days. As long as your actions haven't led to any legal consequences (which you must disclose if they have), you can be confident that your school won't speak ill of a high-potential former student or hinder your application to prestigious colleges.

I have many friends who at some point faced disciplinary action in school or college. And they turned out just fine in life and many attended very prestigious universities.

If it's clearly stated in the school's application form to mention about "disciplinary action in school" you could mention that. Otherwise, don't.

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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 26 Sep 2023, 04:39
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If I had a disciplinary record in university, should I mention it when applying for an MBA application, even if it doesn't appear on my transcript?

During university, I encountered a situation during an exam where the distribution of exam papers was underway. The person seated behind me was absent, so when the exam papers were handed out, I placed mine on my desk temporarily. However, I didn't realize that I had also placed some materials I was reviewing before the exam on the desk as well. Later, when I handed the exam paper to the person behind, I began my exam without noticing that a large sheet of paper from my pre-exam review was left underneath the large exam paper, which I completely overlooked. Later, the exam invigilator noticed the irregular paper and found that I had a sheet that did not belong to the exam papers, leading to a disciplinary action against me. I appealed to the school, but they were unwilling to accept it.

I am wondering, if the school commissions a third-party organization to investigate students' academic backgrounds, will they specifically ask whether this student has ever had a disciplinary record?

I am seeking advice on how to handle this situation. Should I mention it under the following section of the application, even though there is nothing about this incident on my transcript?
Disciplinary action by college or university: Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution you have attended from undergraduate (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in a disciplinary action?
Show more

Hello austin81828,

Thanks for writing in.

Situations such as the one you have mentioned are not unheard of. So, do not beat yourself over it. If your transcript does not mention this and if you have not faced any legal consequences for this matter, you may avoid speaking about it. Of course, if there is a very specific question about this in the application form, you will have to talk about it.

All the best!
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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 28 Sep 2023, 02:45
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Several MBA programs ask about it on the application. If there is a direct question, I think you should answer and tell the truth.

For example, HBS asks:
"Disciplinary Action – Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action (including, but not limited to, during military service or at place of employment)? Please do not include disciplinary action at academic institutions. if yes, Please explain"

Ross asks:
* Have you ever been expelled, suspended or placed on probation by any secondary school or college you have attended, for reason of academic dishonesty or because of an offense that harmed or had the potential to harm others? (You must check a response.)
* Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation, or been found to be delinquent by a juvenile court, or are there such charges currently pending against you at this time? (You must check a response.)
* Have you ever had a professional license revoked or been subject to disciplinary action by a licensing board or commission due to an ethical violation or professional misconduct? (You must check a response.)
If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, please enter your explanation here. Please limit your response to no more than 50 lines of text.
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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 01 Oct 2023, 09:54
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austin81828:

The above comments are all correct. You shouldn't "volunteer" this information, but if asked you must respond honestly. You are not going to get "dinged" automatically, especially if was not a major ordeal.

The worst case scenario would be avoiding the matter, getting accepted, and then having your seat rescinded on the basis of lack of transparency.

If you really, really wanted to walk the tightrope, you can take it school by school and call (anonymously) the admissions offices to find out if such information is required for admission. I am sure you can use your better judgment, but it's an option if you feel compelled to do what you can do to be upfront without showing your hand, per se.
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disciplinary record , should I mention in MBA application 01 Jan 2026, 17:49
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