<p>I was once caught cheating in high school, on a test, when I was a Sophomore or Freshman. I don't remember exactly how I was cheating, nor why. But I know I didn't plan it or anything. I just left a paper with some test related information on my desk. I guess I got excited or something, and looked at it. But, the teacher saw me. Of course, I realize that was a really stupid thing to do, but it was pretty scary, and it freaked me out.</p>
<p>I believe someone else in the class also left their paper out (everyone had a similar paper that was made for practice), and that person also was also caught. The teacher later said that he/she did some real deep thinking about it, and that he/she would allow "some people" who were dishonest to retake the test. Well, I retook the test. I got an okay grade. But I was more releaved that nothing really bad happened, like a call home, or failing the class. This was the only instance of me cheating on a test.</p>
<p>Nevertheless. It has occured to me recently that this might hurt me later on in going to college. I'm 18 now, and I am wondering whether or not there is some record that high schools use, and put on applications or something to show intellectual dishonesty. Or maybe a secret record of some kind.</p>
<p>To sum up: I cheated once in high school because I had a stupid moment, and I didn't get any punishment (like a call home, or failing the class). Is there some secret consequence that will hurt my record, if there is a record for this kind of thing in high school? If there is such a thing, do you think my teacher reported the cheating? (This is a public school in the USA, btw)</p>
<p>I'm kinda freaking out about this right now. I guess it's part of my paranoid personality. Any thoughts, or reassurance that I'm not screwed over and have nothing to be afraid of? (And yes, I do know that colleges will expell you for cheating.)</p>