Caught Cheating

<p>A couple of weeks ago I got an F on a math quiz, so when my teacher returned it to me, I changed two answers and gave it back to her, saying that she graded it incorrectly. She saw through my lie, and reported me to my assistant principal (there's multiple assistant principals, each assigned to students with certain last names by alphabet order). After I talked to the teacher and we talked, I went to my assistant principal lady in order to apologize because of guilt. (Sounds like a lie, but the amount of guilt I was feeling was unbearable, and yes I realize I'm a terrible person, and yes I believe I deserve all the punishments I received.) As a result of the incident, I got a phone call home, my quiz grade remained as the F, and I got a Friday detention.
Will this go on my permanent record for colleges to see when I apply? A friend of mine told me that unless my guidance counselor (who is different from my assistant principal) mentions it in my recommendation, the colleges won't know unless they ask.
Will this affect my chances of getting into a decent college? My GPA is above a 4.0, my SAT is a 2280, and I'm in a bunch of extracurriculars. I'm just terrified at the thought of not getting accepted into the colleges I want to because of what I did, and I don't want to disappoint my parents any more than I already have.
Last question, on the common app it asks, "Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution you have attended from the 9th grade (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in a disciplinary action? These actions could include, but are not limited to: probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from the institution."
Should I say yes or no? Does a detention count?
Thanks in advance, and please don't leave comments about how I don't deserve to get into college. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I'm completely aware that I am at fault here.</p>

<p>Obviously a random internet person perspective isn’t too valuable in a case like this, where it really depends on what your teachers and administrators are like, but I think you’re overreacting. In fact, I wouldn’t imagine that it would have a considerable effect on your application at all. Detention definitely doesn’t qualify as probation/suspension/expulsion – that stuff is for offenses way worse than making a sheepish effort to get points back on a test. The fact that you feel so terrible about the whole thing makes it seem to me like this event will have a net-positive effect on your life because you probably learned a lot from it.</p>

<p>You should definitely take a deep breath and focus on doing what’s in your power to improve your apps :)</p>

<p>It’s cool, everyone cheats sometime or another. Besides, imagine how much less guilt you would have felt had you actually succeeded. Anyways, you have a stellar GPA and SAT, hence basically a walk-in-the-door for every state school.</p>

<p>Also, detention doesn’t even matter. It’s a joke. Don’t even sweat it.</p>

<p>As for your guidance counselor, get on her good side IMMEDIATELY. Like seriously, kiss a** a bit just to ensure that the thought never crosses her mind to include it on your rec.</p>

<p>And be more careful next time you cheat. Good luck.</p>

<p>You already posted this and got answers:</p>

<p><a href=“Cheating? - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums”>Cheating? - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums;

<p>“Be more careful next time you cheat.”? </p>

<p>How about all of you just stop cheating. </p>

<p>If anyone wishes to respond to the OP please use the link to the other thread supplied by @BrownParent‌ </p>