Recently I was caught sharing work with a fellow classmate and admitted to academic dishonesty. I received two detentions for it. So now I am going to try to convince my guidance counselor and disciplinarian to have it removed from my record as it is the first infraction I’ve had in 5 years including petty disciplinary stuff like haircuts and uniforms (Boys private catholic high school). If I can’t have it removed from my record, will I have a legitimate shot at at colleges with acceptance rates under 20%? I know the chances are still slim but I’m a competitive applicant; however, will my application be wait listed or denied because of an infraction like this in my senior year?
No way to know. Much may rest on how you present what you have learned from the experience.
If you can’t get it removed, your odds - which were low already, as they are for anyone - will fall precipitously. You’ll need to create a list with more safeties and State Universities where stats are the most important factor, just in case.
What exactly is “sharing work with a fellow classmate”? Was this during an exam? Or were the circumstances more grey? If the incident was years ago and you have since demonstrated upright character, it wouldn’t be as bad.
The ultra-reach schools are probably not realistic now. Those schools have more than 10 students vying for each spot. So, unless you posess some killer super-hook, those schools probably won’t have the patience to look past it.
That said, there are still many highly desirable schools that seek high stats students (merit money schools) and would be more forgiving.
If you are unsatisfied with your outcomes in this admissions round, you might consider a gap year. Do something productive in that time, then try applying again a year later.
I blatently cheated on a test during highschool but still got into a top 40 college. I wouldn’t worry too much. However, I would be honest and best explain the situation in your personal statement. Best of luck to you, you still have a chance.