<p>At the beginning of my sophomore year of high school, I got an "honor code" violation. My dream school is Princeton. The following will summarize what happened: So we have this thing called summer reading (I'm sure it's a rarity :P) and we have to write an essay as an assignment to compliment the reading. I gave my essay to someone who requested to edit mine. I, open minded to the idea, agreed to letting this person edit my essay. The week school started, I get called by my teacher and she told me that my essay was plagiarized according to turnitin.com. Apparently, the person who wanted to "edit" my essay stole my work and used it in his own essay. We both had to sign this dreaded form. I received a zero on this assignment but still managed an A miraculously in this class. Now the my question: Will this thing screw me over when I apply to Princeton in the future? I really want to get into Princeton. My grades are good enough and I am shooting for a 2300+ on my SAT. My passions are distinct and concrete. Do I still have a living shot?</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>Have you asked if it is on your permanent record?</p>
<p>No I have not yet. Anyone else? This has been looming over my mind forever…</p>
<p>I don’t think first time violations go on your transcript. But if it happens again, find a new dream school.</p>
<p>What Hmom asked is key. If it’s on your record then you may be denied, unless you are able to shape it in your essays. Otherwise they will probably not hear about it.</p>
<p>Yes, HMom is spot on. Check your permanent record. I suspect it’s clean (otherwise no A for you in that class!). And if there is something there, this would be a good time to begin lobbying to have it removed … really. I mean, what exactly did you DO to warrant the violation?</p>
<p>What exactly do you mean, NewHope? How would you suggest I get it removed. I pretty much gave this other guy my essay to edit but he used it to plagiarize. I happened to be the dang “giver” so I was involved with supplying this guy the material to cheat with.</p>
<p>What exactly do I mean … hmmm. </p>
<p>I mean don’t assume there’s a problem until you know there is one; and
don’t assume the problem is permanent until you know that it is; and
make every effort to mitigate your downside risk.</p>
<ol>
<li>Go check your record</li>
<li>If the honor violation is noted there, ask your GC if the notation is permanent</li>
<li>If answer to 2. is “Yes” then post here again and people who have dealt with this situation before can make some suggestions.</li>
</ol>
<p>I’ll do that ASAP when school starts. I appreciate your help!</p>
<p>And if it’s not on your transcript or whatever the school sends up to Princeton, make sure that your counselor or teacher recommenders don’t mention it on their recs.</p>
<p>The thing is, even the other kids mom was fighting on my side. The teacher who I had while this occurred loves me so I’m not worried at all about that part.</p>
<p>I had to sign a form after this incident occurred. Why would it not be on my record. Also, any tips for “getting it off”? :D</p>
<p>Sure, plenty. No sense going into them until you KNOW there’s a notation, WHAT the notation is, and WHETHER the notation is permanent, and IF the school intends to put it on your transcript.</p>
<p>Post again in September, after you see your GC about these particulars.</p>
<p>Erm. Never mind</p>
<p>Can anyone give me an idea on how I should approach this ordeal? Like, what should I do first, etc. I’m really nervous about this and don’t want to make a wrong move.</p>
<p>Even if it is on your “permanent” record, it can be taken off. You need to confront the issue and speak to guidance to see what the reality of the situation is. Get your parents involved if necessary. You need to address the problem with the administration of your school or possibly the school board if necessary. Very few high schools are trying to keep students out of college. If your character is clean other than this instance, I am sure it can be worked out.</p>
<p>^ cornetking - Do you have an update? Have you spoken to your GC yet? What did s/he say?</p>
<p>" I gave my essay to someone who requested to edit mine. "</p>
<p>I think that colleges will have a hard time believing this is what happened. Why would you need anyone to edit your essay?</p>
<p>@Northstarmom</p>
<p>Our 9th grade teachers encouraged it in the writing process. What you quoted above was an excuse that this individual used to gain a hold on my essay. </p>
<p>@NewHope33</p>
<p>School has started for us but I’m kind of nervous about this. How do I approach my counselor? Any tips?</p>
<p>Also, the reason that this “violated” our school’s policy is because our teacher did not explicitly tell us that we could. We were given no instruction on this assignment back then and I can swear that almost all my friends were doing this too. I was just unfortunate enough to come across this person.</p>