Should I tell MBA programs about my past mistakes...?

So like almost 10 years ago, I applied to a few MBA programs and got into one, but I ended up not going. Turns out I left out a degree I failed out of and another course I tried to do through distance learning. Not sure if I should tell the programs now or if it’ll mess up future applications. Anyone have any advice on this?

Honestly, I don’t think they’ll look back at old apps. Just be upfront in your next one and include everything. I wouldn’t stress too much about it.

Nico said:
Honestly, I don’t think they’ll look back at old apps. Just be upfront in your next one and include everything. I wouldn’t stress too much about it.

That’s what I was thinking too. Thanks for the reassurance!

Yeah, I agree. They mostly care about what’s current, not what happened years ago.

Ray said:
Yeah, I agree. They mostly care about what’s current, not what happened years ago.

Good to know! I didn’t think they would dig into the past too much.

Ray said:
Yeah, I agree. They mostly care about what’s current, not what happened years ago.

What’s ‘current’ in this context? Like stuff from the last 5 years?

Wynn said:

Ray said:
Yeah, I agree. They mostly care about what’s current, not what happened years ago.

What’s ‘current’ in this context? Like stuff from the last 5 years?

Yeah, pretty much. Anything from the last 5 years or so, but it depends on the program. Just make sure you don’t leave out anything important going forward.

I applied for grad programs recently and they didn’t even ask about old stuff like that. You’ll be fine!

Ren said:
I applied for grad programs recently and they didn’t even ask about old stuff like that. You’ll be fine!

That’s a relief to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience!

You could always reach out to the admissions office if you’re really worried. Just ask them if they care about old apps or not.

Gale said:
You could always reach out to the admissions office if you’re really worried. Just ask them if they care about old apps or not.

Good point, might be worth asking just to be sure.

Tbh, I wouldn’t even bother. Just include everything from now on and move on. The past is the past!

Shan said:
Tbh, I wouldn’t even bother. Just include everything from now on and move on. The past is the past!

Fair enough, I guess there’s no point in stressing over it now.