Put on Probation - How can it hurt me????

[brz]

Hi,

I was put on probation back in 1996 when I took off my high school english teacher wig.

Altough I know it was just a stupid joke and I learned a lot from the episode I don't know how the adcom is going to view such a situation.

How does this make it harder for me to gain acceptance in an MBA program?

I'm going to properly address the case in my applications. Any hint on how it should be done?

Thanks for your attention on this unsual subject.

Brz

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Brz,

By probation, do you mean probation for criminal assault and/or battery? So, if the school were to run a criminal record background check you would have a record? Assuming that is the case and it is still on your record, I would say it probably won't hurt your chances too much provided you submit an explanation in your application. The reason being it was in 1996, you were in high school, and you have learned your lesson. In your explanation, the critical piece to include is the lesson(s) learned and how you are a different person now.

If your probation was from the school, the answer is pretty much the same. However, I'm not sure you would need to disclose it as it would be from high school and you are not providing transcripts from high school.

Hope that helps,
Lisa

[brz]

Lisa,

I was charged with battery and malicious destruction of property in 1996. I don't know if this event were expunged from my record, consequently I think it's a good idea to explain the case in my applications - I don't know how far schools can go, maybe they can even get access to what have been expunged...

Do you know anyone in a situation like mine who was admited or dinged?

I really don't know what to expect from this, what kind of bearing it will have on my restless effort to admission.

I appreciate your attention very much.

Regards,

Brz

[Lisa Anderson]

If it was expunged from your record, then the school might not find it. However, I agree with you that it is better to have full disclosure to be on the safe side. Since it was about 15 years ago and it was actually not as serious as the charges would lead one to believe, I think you will probably be fine. The key is your explanation on how you are more mature and what you learned from the situation. I know of many applicants that have been admitted with records of DWI or the like, so I don't think your situation is all that different. The only reason it would hold you back is if a school felt you to be a risk, meaning you might hurt classmates or faculty. Based on what you told me, I don't see how the school would make that leap.

Good luck,
Lisa