My story is that the research in my department did not match with my background. I worked hard and my GPA is 3.5+, but the research topic was hard to develop. Unfortunately, I was dismissed from the program but was approved to get a master's degree before I leave the university. I do not have any misconduct.
Now I am applying to another PhD program which could be a good match with my research interest. However, I am facing a question from most universities that I am applying to.
The questions is:
"Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended or otherwise subject to disciplinary sanction by(at or from) any college or university".
I need to select yes or no.
In my case, it is not a disciplinary sanction. I was dismissed from the PhD program only due to misfit in research. I stayed at the university for my Master's degree and I was not dismissed directly from the university. As an international student, I am not quite sure how to answer this question.
I am nervous about this application. Can anyone help me figure out how to deal with this issue in a proper way?
Thank you so much!