To start this off, I have learned and accepted the consequences of academic dishonesty, I am just trying to see my options.
Currently, I am a chemical engineering student with a minor in music, with a 3.59GPA going into my sophomore year of college, extremely involved. I made a big mistake, and was caught cheating on my orgo final exam.
I received an F in the class, but the reason is not reflected in my transcript, but I understand that I must give this information of “academic dishonesty” if ever asked by an application.
That being said, what are my options for companies or grad school within my current university or at another one? Do I still have a shot at competitive universities if I take this dishonesty as a learning experience, and do extremely well from sophomore year and beyond.
I looked at my school’s graduate school application and it asks to explain what academic misconduct I had. Do I still have a shot at getting into my school’s masters program in the future?
I just want to move on from this, so any encouraging experiences or information will help,
Thank you!
Rarely do companies ever look at the transcript, except as a final confirmation of degree received. I’ve never been asked, and if they ask, be honest and admit your mistakes. By the time you graduate, it will have been three years in the past.
For graduate applications, you probably will have to explain it, and it will hurt you. But it should not be fatal, and if you’re honest and apologetic about it then it can simply be chalked up to a lesson learned.
Of course, it would be a different story if it is an offense repeated twice. In the eyes of many, that would make you a compulsive cheater who doesn’t learn from his mistakes. So don’t do that.
I ALWAYS looked at a college applicant’s transcript. I would look at the grades of all their STEM classes. Not so interested in their grade in music however. An F would stand out like a sore thumb. I would ask about it, definitely. If there were no other issues, then it wouldn’t hurt you too much. But as said above, another transgression would be fatal.
If you retake it, would it replace the F. Some companies will look at transcripts.