Do American school applications ask if you've ever committed an academic offence?

[parrot9396]

I'm looking to apply to graduate school for 2019. I completed my undergraduate degree in a Canadian School. In second year, in 2016, I wrote for about half a minute after time was called during a test. This was on my transcript for a year and then removed.

Do applications ask you if you've committed an academic offence, or any other question where this would be applicable? Thank you.

Edited May 3, 2018 by parrot9396

[fuzzylogician]

I don't remember questions like that on any of my applications. I don't think it's common. But if you do get asked, tell the truth. There will always be a place to explain what happened, and your explanation sounds like it was a minor offense that shouldn't cause you any trouble. I stress again, though: *don't lie*. The lie will get you in a lot more trouble than the actual offense. Good luck! 

[TakeruK]

I do remember some US schools asking this. But they don't usually ask it so vaguely/generally as you stated. Usually, the question is more like, "Do you have any academic offenses on your record?" etc. Or they might specify that they are asking about offenses where you didn't get pardoned/excused. So if your record is now clean, you probably do not have to worry (of course, consult each case specifically if it comes up, since you have to ensure you comply with whatever agreements they ask you to sign when you submit your application).

That said, even if you had to disclose this, I would hardly consider this a problem. Explaining it the way you did here would be fine and I can't see how anyone would care. Honestly, I am surprised that your school even wrote you up for something as minor as that. 

[ltr317]

My experience is similar to @TakeruK.   That question was asked on some of my applications.  Just be honest--academia is based on integrity.  In your case, it seems the infraction was minor and should not cause a problem.

[StatHopeful]

Every application I submitted this year asked a question similar to those described above, for what it's worth. 

[Bayesian1701]

I think I was asked about academic offenses along with criminal offenses on most if not all applications but most of the time the application had a space to explain it if neccesary.  I would disclose it to be safe, but I don’t think it will hurt your chances.