<p>graduate from college in the upcoming year with a liberal arts degree.</p>
<p>I did a terrible thing during my freshman year in college. I altered an exam that was being submitted for a regrade. After meeting with the dean, I got an F in the class and a permanent note in my student files. My school, however, does not document this on transcripts.</p>
<p>After graduating, I will take a year off to do international volunteer work. When I return to the US, I'm going to get another degree in business from a different university. I've changed my career plans.</p>
<p>A part of me, however, wonders if what happened during freshman year will haunt me for the rest of my life. Given that student records are confidential and that there are no transcript notations, could a prospective employer find out about this? If so, could I get not hired or even fired (once hired)?</p>
<p>It was the biggest mistake of my life, and if I could turn back the hands of time, I would. At that time, I was so focused on getting good grades that nothing else seemed to matter.</p>
<p>Could I someday get a good job and make a living? Can I get on with my life?</p>
<p>Of course you can move on. Many people make stupid decisions and get over them. Most employers will only want proof of a college degree and very few demand your transcripts. The only thing it could really effect are your chances of getting into grad school if you wanted to do that, but even there you can explain your actions and regret and all that jazz.</p>
<p>An employer probably won’t find out, even if they bother to look at transcripts. The F might be a flag though. But the school you want to get a business degree from probably will. You will most likely be asked about disciplinary issues.</p>
<p>I think the fact that it occurred while you were a freshman helps. As long as your record since then has been good, it will show that you made a mistake while new in college but learned from it and moved on. </p>
<p>Should you be questioned about the incident in the future, just make sure you’re completely upfront about it.</p>