Scared. Need advice please.

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EDK

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So guys, I have an institutional action and it's really scaring me. I would really like someone's advice or comfort on this matter. The IA is for plagiarism. What happened is that during a group project, my classmate copy something off the internet and use it in our outline. To his defense, the group didn't know that the outline is something that is going to be graded. We thought the outline is to give the teacher the ideas of what sources we are looking at. Teacher reported us to the director of student conducts. Fast forward to last year, I got the information expunged. I'm not really sure what expungement means but this ordeal has been bothering me. If you guys need more info about this I can add more, as for now I just want minimum details and get some feedback.

What do you guys think? What should I do? Has anyone else have something along the lines of plagiarism that's in med school now? If you guys don't feel comfortable giving out your experience on SDN, can you guys PM me. Thanks.
 
EDK said:
So guys, I have an institutional action and it's really scaring me. I would really like someone's advice or comfort on this matter. The IA is for plagiarism. What happened is that during a group project, my classmate copy something off the internet and use it in our outline. To his defense, the group didn't know that the outline is something that is going to be graded. We thought the outline is to give the teacher the ideas of what sources we are looking at. Teacher reported us to the director of student conducts. Fast forward to last year, I got the information expunged. I'm not really sure what expungement means but this ordeal has been bothering me. If you guys need more info about this I can add more, as for now I just want minimum details and get some feedback.

What do you guys think? What should I do? Has anyone else have something along the lines of plagiarism that's in med school now? If you guys don't feel comfortable giving out your experience on SDN, can you guys PM me. Thanks.
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If it's expunged, there are no records of it anymore, correct? You have nothing to worry about if is no longer on your transcript. @Goro would be the one to ask around here.
 
"In the common lawlegal system, an expungement proceeding is a type of lawsuit in which a first time offender of a prior criminal conviction seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed, thereby making the records unavailable through the state or Federal repositories"

Sounds like your little skirmish has been wiped away.

but yes, Goro should have the inside stuff on that
 
Goro said:
Concur. Quit fussing.
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Thank you everyone for the advice.

Thanks Goro, what you said has just taken a huge burden off my shoulder. Does this also mean that I don't have to mention it on the applications? I'm sorry for asking this but I don't want it to bite me in the behind when I'm in med school. Thanks again.
 
Goro said:
Concur. Quit fussing.
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Goro, are you suggesting that we can leave off IAs if they are not on our transcripts? I read the AACOMAS instructions, and they are very clear that all instances are to be disclosed regardless of expungement.

But since you are an admissions officer, are you implying that not disclosing expunged/off-the-transcript IAs are tolerated?
 
Concur. You can't take the risk of some LOR writer "outing" you on this. You'll have a chance to explain yourself in the app and in person, especially for schools that don't pre-screen (like mine).

I'm pretty sure the application says you must list any IA regardless of it being in your record or not anymore.


If it's not asked about, then it won't be an issue. But if asked for, take it on the chin and mention it.

Goro, are you suggesting that we can leave off IAs if they are not on our transcripts? I read the AACOMAS instructions, and they are very clear that all instances are to be disclosed regardless of expungement. But since you are an admissions officer, are you implying that not disclosing expunged/off-the-transcript IAs are tolerated?
 
Goro said:
Concur. You can't take the risk of some LOR writer "outing" you on this. You'll have a chance to explain yourself in the app and in person, especially for schools that don't pre-screen (like mine).

I'm pretty sure the application says you must list any IA regardless of it being in your record or not anymore.


If it's not asked about, then it won't be an issue. But if asked for, take it on the chin and mention it.

Goro, are you suggesting that we can leave off IAs if they are not on our transcripts? I read the AACOMAS instructions, and they are very clear that all instances are to be disclosed regardless of expungement. But since you are an admissions officer, are you implying that not disclosing expunged/off-the-transcript IAs are tolerated?
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Just like to add to what Goro said about the LOR writers. I know some med schools require a Dean's letter or certification (something along the lines) which may include things like IAs. I know my undergrad school is one of them and there's definitely others.

I am curious though to how med schools will find out expunged information like these if the students don't ask for a Dean's letter or committee letter (which in most cases will give the med schools permission to look at your information). Can they even find out such information?

Also, Goro if you don't mind answering, how would you look at an applicant that has plagiarism under his/her belt considering OP's case where he kind of got dragged into the mess? (Not to say that OP is not in the wrong).
 
Goro said:
Concur. You can't take the risk of some LOR writer "outing" you on this. You'll have a chance to explain yourself in the app and in person, especially for schools that don't pre-screen (like mine).

I'm pretty sure the application says you must list any IA regardless of it being in your record or not anymore.


If it's not asked about, then it won't be an issue. But if asked for, take it on the chin and mention it.

Goro, are you suggesting that we can leave off IAs if they are not on our transcripts? I read the AACOMAS instructions, and they are very clear that all instances are to be disclosed regardless of expungement. But since you are an admissions officer, are you implying that not disclosing expunged/off-the-transcript IAs are tolerated?
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Are you saying that some schools screen out applications if they have IAs the way some schools screen out applications with very low GPAs?
 
Even before I got the information expunged, this ordeal was never on my transcript. After the teacher reported us to the director of student conduct, I got the chance to talk to the director one on one. He explained that this will never go on the transcript and I've gotten my transcript for other things before so I don't see anything on it that says I got in trouble for plagiarism. The expungement was for the papers. The director saved the papers in case I get in trouble in the future. So basically there was never anything on my transcript and the papers are now shredded.

I am just now sure how to approach this. If I put this on my application, it could get me screened.
 
EDK said:
Even before I got the information expunged, this ordeal was never on my transcript. After the teacher reported us to the director of student conduct, I got the chance to talk to the director one on one. He explained that this will never go on the transcript and I've gotten my transcript for other things before so I don't see anything on it that says I got in trouble for plagiarism. The expungement was for the papers. The director saved the papers in case I get in trouble in the future. So basically there was never anything on my transcript and the papers are now shredded.

I am just now sure how to approach this. If I put this on my application, it could get me screened.
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I hear you!

I also have an IA, and it was never on the transcript to begin with. However, some schools don't place minor disciplinary incidents on the transcript, and I think the AACOMAS requires disclosure of all disciplinary actions, regardless of where they appear.

If your incident qualifies as a disciplinary violation, then I am afraid that you have to report it.
 
Yes, my colleagues gyngyn and LizzyM have mentioned this level of detail. Keep in mind that not all IAs are created equal.


Are you saying that some schools screen out applications if they have IAs the way some schools screen out applications with very low GPAs?


Just a hypothetical. Imagine the professor of the student finding out that he's applying to medical school. It wouldn't be that hard to ask his colleagues about where. Said professor then writes directly to the schools and/or deans to give them a heads up. That would be my worry, especially in a scenario where a vengeful professor felt that the student didn't receive a severe enough punishment from the school. Again, this is a hypothetical.


I am curious though to how med schools will find out expunged information like these if the students don't ask for a Dean's letter or committee letter (which in most cases will give the med schools permission to look at your information). Can they even find out such information?


OP's explanation seems reasonble to me. BUT, if the OP were my interviewee, and I wasn't satisfied with his/her written explanation, my co-interviewers would keep him/her behind after the group interview was finished, and specifically ask about the IA. Most of the time, that's good enough. Not all plagiarisms are alike, either.

Also, Goro if you don't mind answering, how would you look at an applicant that has plagiarism under his/her belt considering OP's case where he kind of got dragged into the mess? (Not to say that OP is not in the wrong).
 
Sean Lee said:
Are you saying that some schools screen out applications if they have IAs the way some schools screen out applications with very low GPAs?
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I can't answer for Goro, but the hearsay I've come to is that schools generally put you into a special pile. May just be to have the ethics committee evaluate the IA or...
 
Goro said:
Yes, my colleagues gyngyn and LizzyM have mentioned this level of detail. Keep in mind that not all IAs are created equal.


Are you saying that some schools screen out applications if they have IAs the way some schools screen out applications with very low GPAs?


Just a hypothetical. Imagine the professor of the student finding out that he's applying to medical school. It wouldn't be that hard to ask his colleagues about where. Said professor then writes directly to the schools and/or deans to give them a heads up. That would be my worry, especially in a scenario where a vengeful professor felt that the student didn't receive a severe enough punishment from the school. Again, this is a hypothetical.


I am curious though to how med schools will find out expunged information like these if the students don't ask for a Dean's letter or committee letter (which in most cases will give the med schools permission to look at your information). Can they even find out such information?


OP's explanation seems reasonble to me. BUT, if the OP were my interviewee, and I wasn't satisfied with his/her written explanation, my co-interviewers would keep him/her behind after the group interview was finished, and specifically ask about the IA. Most of the time, that's good enough. Not all plagiarisms are alike, either.

Also, Goro if you don't mind answering, how would you look at an applicant that has plagiarism under his/her belt considering OP's case where he kind of got dragged into the mess? (Not to say that OP is not in the wrong).
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But if a school "screens" for IAs, then how does the type of IA matter? If an application will be automatically discarded just because it checks the IA box, then what's the difference between a super minor incident versus academic suspension for something serious?

Or by "screening" do you mean actually looking at the IA and making a human judgement whether or not it is a big deal?

My apologies for not being clear, but I want to know specifically if there are schools that will automatically trash an application REGARDLESS of what the IA is about?

Thanks again!
 
I believe the process is human eyeballs look for the checkmark, look at the explanation, and deep-six the expulsions/suspensions for cheating, felonies, multiple DUI, etc, and make a gut call on plagiarism, single DUI, pot or underage possession, sassing the campus police, etc.

I do not know which schools would automatically reject you. Sometimes you need to go through an app cycle, warts and all and take it on the chin. Just own your infraction, and don't make excuses. Excuses = rejection.


Sean Lee said:
But if a school "screens" for IAs, then how does the type of IA matter? If an application will be automatically discarded just because it checks the IA box, then what's the difference between a super minor incident versus academic suspension for something serious?

Or by "screening" do you mean actually looking at the IA and making a human judgement whether or not it is a big deal?

My apologies for not being clear, but I want to know specifically if there are schools that will automatically trash an application REGARDLESS of what the IA is about?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
 
Goro said:
I believe the process is human eyeballs look for the checkmark, look at the explanation, and deep-six the expulsions/suspensions for cheating, felonies, multiple DUI, etc, and make a gut call on plagiarism, single DUI, pot or underage possession, sassing the campus police, etc.

I do not know which schools would automatically reject you. Sometimes you need to go through an app cycle, warts and all and take it on the chin. Just own your infraction, and don't make excuses. Excuses = rejection.
Click to expand...

Thanks Goro.

As long as a human reads the application, then I am good.

I am just afraid of auto-rejections, that's all.
 
I think you will be ok. Do what you think is best
 
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Yes I totally agree. I was just telling someone how I feel about this. I feel responsible for not looking over the portion that my group mate did and I think that is a valuable lesson to me. I will look over things and make sure nothing is wrong because being part of the project means I'm equally as responsible. But one thing about this is that some schools are more lenient to what is considered a IA and what is not.

We did talk to the professor and he said that he kind of understands my stand on this but because of policies, he has to report it. The thing is that he could of done an informal process where he can handle it himself and I would just take the 0 for the assignment (the director of student conduct told me).
 
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Does ANY DO schools require a dean's certification letter or a copy of your disciplinary record regardless of whether or not you report an IA?
 
Sean Lee said:
Does ANY DO schools require a dean's certification letter or a copy of your disciplinary record regardless of whether or not you report an IA?
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Yes. Don't lie. There have been stories on this board where people are accepted and then the offer is rescinded because of disciplinary records that weren't mentioned in the initial app. Keep in mind that you'll basically be on the hook your whole time in medical school. If at any point the school simply takes a peak into your discipline record, it's over for you. Wouldn't you much rather get in on your own merit and breathe easy from here on out?

To the OP, the application asks you to disclose all disciplinary actions regardless of whether they are on the transcript. It's your call, but I guarantee your discipline record is still in tact even though it was expunged from the transcript. Just be smart. If you do decide to lay it out there, just tell them the facts - no excuses needed. I wouldn't include the "to be fair, we didn't think it would be graded". Sounds like a flimsy excuse. The expunged aspect will be a positive, I would guess. I think you'll be fine.
 
WalSlave said:
Yes. Don't lie. There have been stories on this board where people are accepted and then the offer is rescinded because of disciplinary records that weren't mentioned in the initial app. Keep in mind that you'll basically be on the hook your whole time in medical school. If at any point the school simply takes a peak into your discipline record, it's over for you. Wouldn't you much rather get in on your own merit and breathe easy from here on out?

To the OP, the application asks you to disclose all disciplinary actions regardless of whether they are on the transcript. It's your call, but I guarantee your discipline record is still in tact even though it was expunged from the transcript. Just be smart. If you do decide to lay it out there, just tell them the facts - no excuses needed. I wouldn't include the "to be fair, we didn't think it would be graded". Sounds like a flimsy excuse. The expunged aspect will be a positive, I would guess. I think you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

I understand your sentiment, but would any medical school randomly ask for an applicant's disciplinary record out of the blue? I am not saying that I am going to lie.

Also, if schools don't even consider IA applications, then it would be impossible to get in on your own merits.

If the OP's record has been expunged, then that means his/her university CANNOT disclose anything about it. Otherwise, what's the point of expungement?
 
I don't know how else to word it. Yes, a medical school could and would randomly ask for a disciplinary record. Why? Who knows. I'm sure there are a million reasons that this has happened. Once you sign over transcripts and apply, they legally have full access.

I have not heard of any schools that screen and auto reject IAs. I do know that 1 or 2 schools will ask you for a letter from the dean. I can understand wanting to avoid that, honestly. It's never fun to ask your Dean for a letter recounting your IA, I'm sure. I suggest you use the search feature as this subject has been discussed at length and there are specifics that I can't recall.

As for the OP and the expunging issue, I guess they'd just have to ask to view their disciplinary record to know.
 
WalSlave said:
I don't know how else to word it. Yes, a medical school could and would randomly ask for a disciplinary record. Why? Who knows. I'm sure there are a million reasons that this has happened. Once you sign over transcripts and apply, they legally have full access.

I have not heard of any schools that screen and auto reject IAs. I do know that 1 or 2 schools will ask you for a letter from the dean. I can understand wanting to avoid that, honestly. It's never fun to ask your Dean for a letter recounting your IA, I'm sure. I suggest you use the search feature as this subject has been discussed at length and there are specifics that I can't recall.

As for the OP and the expunging issue, I guess they'd just have to ask to view their disciplinary record to know.
Click to expand...

But here's the thing. You don't want to ask your dean for whatever reason, but if the school is going to ask for your disciplinary record, wouldn't the school contact your dean for that record? So if you don't want your dean to be involved, then why are you gung-ho about disclosing whatever record you may have? You get my logic?

And I've heard that if you check that IA box, most schools WILL ask a dean for confirmation.
 
Sean Lee said:
But here's the thing. You don't want to ask your dean for whatever reason, but if the school is going to ask for your disciplinary record, wouldn't the school contact your dean for that record? So if you don't want your dean to be involved, then why are you gung-ho about disclosing whatever record you may have? You get my logic?

And I've heard that if you check that IA box, most schools WILL ask a dean for confirmation.
Click to expand...

I agree. I'm just empathizing with not wanting to directly ask your Dean for a letter. I'm only "gung-ho" in OP's situation because the gamble is simply not worth it, in my opinion. If you're found to be lying about an IA, you're done with med school. Forever. Whereas this forum has proved that most IAs can be overcome eventually.
 
WalSlave said:
I agree. I'm just empathizing with not wanting to directly ask your Dean for a letter. I'm only "gung-ho" because the gamble is simply not worth it, in my opinion. If you're found to be lying about an IA, you're done with med school. Forever. Whereas this forum has proved that most IAs can be overcome eventually.
Click to expand...

Maybe I am being a bit paranoid, but what if your dean's explanation of the IA differs from your explanation? In that case, wouldn't you be screwed even after having done the right thing and reported the IA? Deans can be rather whimsical in how they choose to explain IAs; they can make them sound either a lot better or a lot worse. By volunteering your IA, aren't you essentially opening that floodgate?
 
Why would someone report an IA if it is NOT on their transcript?
 
BestDoctorEver said:
Why would someone report an IA if it is NOT on their transcript?
Click to expand...

I think this is EXACTLY the OP's (and mine) concern.

The thing is, an IA doesn't have to be on the transcript to be considered an IA. But no one will ever find out about an IA that's not on the transcript. So you are at a dilemma.
 
BestDoctorEver said:
My point exactly! I would not report it if it does not appear on my transcript...
Click to expand...

But I keep on hearing stories of people getting kicked out of medical school when their IA gets "discovered". Only I want to know...how?
 
Sean Lee said:
I think this is EXACTLY the OP's (and mine) concern.

The thing is, an IA doesn't have to be on the transcript to be considered an IA. But no one will ever find out about an IA that's not on the transcript. So you are at a dilemma.
Click to expand...
What OP describes sound like it was a warning--not an IA though.
 
If it does not appear on your transcript, where else in your school record would it be? In the cabinet file of the admission office! I am not getting it...
 
BestDoctorEver said:
If it does not appear on your transcript, where else in your school record would it be? In the cabinet file of the admission office! I am not getting it...
Click to expand...

Yes, it's called a disciplinary record. They specifically mention it on the AACOMAS app.
 
The disciplinary record is separate from the academic transcript, but the disciplinary record is protected by federal laws.
 
Sean Lee said:
The disciplinary record is separate from the academic transcript, but the disciplinary record is protected by federal laws.
Click to expand...

Right, FERPA, which is also what protects your transcripts. However, the Act does give certain parties rights to your records. "School officials with legitimate educational interest" can access whatever records they want. When you request transcripts and apply, you are officially recognizing the school as a school with legitimate educational interest and everything is free game. That is why YOU have to initiate your transcripts be sent rather than the schools all just internally grabbing them from each other.
 
WalSlave said:
Right, FERPA, which is also what protects your transcripts. However, the Act does give certain parties rights to your records. "School officials with legitimate educational interest" can access whatever records they want. When you request transcripts and apply, you are officially recognizing the school as a school with legitimate educational interest and everything is free game. That is why YOU have to initiate your transcripts be sent rather than the schools all just internally grabbing them from each other.
Click to expand...

I see. But this sounds a bit shady.

So everything the university has on you is fair game? What about things like medical records, health records, and other confidential information not relevant to the disciplinary record and transcript?

I am pretty sure I am applying to DO, not NSA.
 
Sean Lee said:
What about things like medical records, health records, and other confidential information not relevant to the disciplinary record and transcript?
Click to expand...

Medical records + Health records = HIPAA, which schools must comply with. Those are totally separate from FERPA from my understanding.

I'm sorry, I know I'm not making you feel better, and that is really not my intention. The only way for you to know for sure is to call your Dean's office and ask what is on your disciplinary record. They'll know exactly what you're talking about and they can tell you. That's really the only way to know 100%. This way, if something is incorrect, you can petition it and now all your bases are covered and you don't need to worry about Deans telling a story that differs from yours. Done.

It's ultimately up to you guys. The facts are that you DO have a disciplinary record and that record is indeed open to any school you are being considered for. Period. It's up to you how you decide to apply. I wish you all the best of luck.
 
WalSlave said:
Medical records + Health records = HIPAA, which schools must comply with. Those are totally separate from FERPA from my understanding.

I'm sorry, I know I'm not making you feel better, and that is really not my intention. The only way for you to know for sure is to call your Dean's office and ask what is on your disciplinary record. They'll know exactly what you're talking about and they can tell you. That's really the only way to know 100%. This way, if something is incorrect, you can petition it and now all your bases are covered and you don't need to worry about Deans telling a story that differs from yours. Done.

It's ultimately up to you guys. The facts are that you DO have a disciplinary record and that record is indeed open to any school you are being considered for. Period. It's up to you how you decide to apply. I wish you all the best of luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks for replying.

I am retaking my MCAT in 3 weeks...and I just can't concentrate.

In the back of my mind, something keeps telling me what difference does it make? Say I retake my 26 for a 30+, that won't help with my IA.
 
WalSlave said:
Medical records + Health records = HIPAA, which schools must comply with. Those are totally separate from FERPA from my understanding.

I'm sorry, I know I'm not making you feel better, and that is really not my intention. The only way for you to know for sure is to call your Dean's office and ask what is on your disciplinary record. They'll know exactly what you're talking about and they can tell you. That's really the only way to know 100%. This way, if something is incorrect, you can petition it and now all your bases are covered and you don't need to worry about Deans telling a story that differs from yours. Done.

It's ultimately up to you guys. The facts are that you DO have a disciplinary record and that record is indeed open to any school you are being considered for. Period. It's up to you how you decide to apply. I wish you all the best of luck.
Click to expand...

Can't argue with you there.

If I can't become a physician as a result of that, then so be it.
 
See https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/brochures/postsec.html
...Postsecondary institutions that provide health or medical services to students may share student medical treatment records with parents under the circumstances described above. While these records may otherwise be governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the HIPAA Privacy Rule excludes student medical treatment records and other records protected by FERPA...
FERPA permits school officials to disclose any and all education records, including disciplinary records, to another institution at which the student seeks or intends to enroll.​
 
Pardon my language, but this thread is making me depressed as f***. Before I go into further discussion about the IA, I would like to ask Goro a question. If I am interviewing at your school would you straight up reject me solely because of this? I'm sorry for questioning you but I was just reading an older thread where the person changed the answers on his exam and tried to resubmit it for a better grade and you told him that it's time to change career path. Do you think I can still get into med school?
 
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costales said:
See https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/brochures/postsec.html
...Postsecondary institutions that provide health or medical services to students may share student medical treatment records with parents under the circumstances described above. While these records may otherwise be governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the HIPAA Privacy Rule excludes student medical treatment records and other records protected by FERPA...
FERPA permits school officials to disclose any and all education records, including disciplinary records, to another institution at which the student seeks or intends to enroll.​
Click to expand...

Are you saying that medical records are fair game as well?
 
WalSlave said:
Yes. Don't lie. There have been stories on this board where people are accepted and then the offer is rescinded because of disciplinary records that weren't mentioned in the initial app. Keep in mind that you'll basically be on the hook your whole time in medical school. If at any point the school simply takes a peak into your discipline record, it's over for you. Wouldn't you much rather get in on your own merit and breathe easy from here on out?

To the OP, the application asks you to disclose all disciplinary actions regardless of whether they are on the transcript. It's your call, but I guarantee your discipline record is still in tact even though it was expunged from the transcript. Just be smart. If you do decide to lay it out there, just tell them the facts - no excuses needed. I wouldn't include the "to be fair, we didn't think it would be graded". Sounds like a flimsy excuse. The expunged aspect will be a positive, I would guess. I think you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

Can you point me to those threads or posts where the people are kicked or rescinded of their acceptances?

Interesting thing fact about the disciplinary record, I did not know about such thing. Is that something the registrar have or is it something the dean has?
 
Hey everyone that's viewing this thread, I have one final question. Between the group we all know what happened and assuming we were all honest with the director, what I said in this thread is what happened. My final question is, what if the school has down that we just plagiarized and not mentioning who was at fault. I know we were all at fault since it's a group project so we all have the same responsibility. But when explaining to the adcom or on the app do I put down that I got an IA for plagiarism or should I even mention the fact that someone else in the group plagiarized? Thanks for all the advises.
 
nightowl0721 said:
Can you point me to those threads or posts where the people are kicked or rescinded of their acceptances?

Interesting thing fact about the disciplinary record, I did not know about such thing. Is that something the registrar have or is it something the dean has?
Click to expand...

Most schools have an academic transcript maintained by the registrar and a separate disciplinary record maintained by the Student Affairs/Judicial Conduct Office. The two are completely separate. Sometimes, serious disciplinary incidents are also noted on the academic transcript. But since I only got a probation, my transcript is clean; the only record is my disciplinary record in the dean's office.

Now, all medical schools will ask the registrar for an official transcript, so if anything fishy is on there, then you must report it, no questions asked. But because few medical schools contact the dean (who is in charge of the office that maintains disciplinary records), some of us are hesitant in reporting an incident that only appears on our disciplinary records, something almost no medical school will ask for.
 
Sean Lee said:
Most schools have an academic transcript maintained by the registrar and a separate disciplinary record maintained by the Student Affairs/Judicial Conduct Office. The two are completely separate. Sometimes, serious disciplinary incidents are also noted on the academic transcript. But since I only got a probation, my transcript is clean; the only record is my disciplinary record in the dean's office.

Now, all medical schools will ask the registrar for an official transcript, so if anything fishy is on there, then you must report it, no questions asked. But because few medical schools contact the dean (who is in charge of the office that maintains disciplinary records), some of us are hesitant in reporting an incident that only appears on our disciplinary records, something almost no medical school will ask for.
Click to expand...

Basically, your college has two places with records. The registrar maintains your academic transcript, and the dean's office (called various things depending on school) maintains your disciplinary record. Every single medical school will contact the registrar in order to get your official transcript, but virtually no medical school will contact the dean's office and inquire about your disciplinary record. So in most cases, your disciplinary record will remain hidden to the vast majority of medical schools.
 
I believe all med schools have a clause that if you lie or anything is discovered you can be kicked out. I don't know if it would happen, I wouldn't take the risk. There are some great DO schools, the top tier are better than some mid or low tier MD. DO schools are generally more forgiving. If I were you I'd do an essay about it and what you learned from it (how to work as a team and use checks and balances to catch issues) in the section for any explanations
 
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Advice needed: Should I send A Letter of Interest
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EEqualsRx2
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Need advice!
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