Academic probation an issue for admission?

[ladyelf]

I'm applying for the Master of Business Science program (Sustainability concentration) at Rutgers and the very first page of the application asks for an approximate date and an explanation of the circumstances if you were ever on probation. 

 

I went to Rutgers for undergrad too and started out on pharmacy.  My dad said it was a good major for me and since I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, I went along with the idea.  In my third year, I didn't do so well, hence the probation.  The summer after that year from hell, I did a rotation in a retail pharmacy which I hated.  After this experience and some soul-searching, I couldn't imagine myself as a pharmacist anymore and switched my major to environmental science.  The first question is would they could if you were on probation if you answered no.  The second is would this be a cause for concern if I told the truth. 

[Nerd_For_Life]

You have to submit transcripts and if those show that you were on probation, than yes, they will know. Also, since it's the same school you did your undergrad at, I'd say that increases the odds since they will know exactly how to read your transcript. That said, you have the opportunity to explain why you were on probation and grad school generally looks at your upper level coursework (third and fourth year courses) to judge your competence. Don't hide it, if you do and they find out it could result in you getting booted from the program if they accept you

[doobiebrothers]

I think you have a compelling explanation, and if you write it in those words that a committee will be understanding.