Honor Code, am I really that screwed?

<p>Sophmore year, I was deemed cheating in German Class because of a misconception which blew up into me being screwed over with an Honor Code and ISS and the works. Regardless of why or what happened, do yall think Colleges will outright reject me if I have done the following since than: 3.95 unweighted GPA, 29 ACT, Leadership in Marching band for 2 years, Leadership in FCA for 2 years, Very involved in Band program, was apart of German Club/German Honors Society and was nominated by the SAME teacher to compete in the GHP process (Governor's Honors Program...it's something in Georgia) in my Junior Year. I run Track and have earned 2 varisty letters. Will doing all these things ( and random other things like awards) overshadow me getting the Honor Code? I'm mainly applying early for Georgia Tech and UGA.</p>

<p>uh, I suppose that depends on how severe the infringement was? o_O </p>

<p>If it leads to suspension or something, that could potentially skew some chances.</p>

<p>This is what the personal essay is for. Colleges don’t accept pure people. Pure people don’t create society. I certainly see you are a great student ever since. You are qualify to be a college student.</p>

<p>In both applications they gave me space to elaborate and I wrote a thorough response. I just hope they arent black and white</p>

<p>Don’t defend yourself. It is not a court. When you elaborate, make sure what you had learned from this “misconception”. How has this incident change your attitude and value? </p>

<p>That’s what they want to see. I would strongly advice getting a few adults to read your writings before submitting. It is so critical to your admission process. Mark is still a mark.</p>

<p>If you were applying to Ivy’s or some other hyper competitive programs you would have a lot of work to un-do the problem (possible, but you might have to do some major footwork).</p>

<p>Instate to UGA and Tech I think you’ll have a much less difficult time with a good academic record and particularly if you have the Teacher involved help out. ISS are sometimes considered differently as well, but your GC and Admissions people may be able to help you understand that process locally since they likely have a working relationship or contacts at those big programs as well.</p>

<p>Frustrating thing is that for Early Application for both schools, I do not believe they take letter of recommendations- those would help tremendously.</p>

<p>What about regular admission?</p>

<p>Regular does I believe, Like most though- people just want to get in and not care about college apps after Fall/Winter.</p>

<p>I don’t remember whether it’s early action, or early decision that says if you are declined you cannot reapply again. I would instead take the advantage o regular admission. In the end education is more important than having fun for a few months.</p>

<p>You said “misconception”.</p>

<p>I would caution you on only one thing: DO NOT MINIMIZE YOUR CULPABILITY! Sorry for shouting but this is the one thing people in your position consistently fail to comprehend. Remember that in the eyes of your application reader you’ve already been “convicted” of the offense. You will never convince that person that you’re innocent or the victim of an unfortunate circumstance. But what you can do is persuade that person that you’ve accepted responsibility, not repeated the mistake, and achieved substantial things since the offense.</p>

<p>Nobody expects an applicant to be perfect but the applicant who is shows contrition and rehabilitation stands higher than one who rationalizes his less than honorable conduct.</p>

<h2>Given your stats and EC’s, you should be a strong candidate for admission to your choices. I wish you the best.</h2>

<p>Off the subject I can’t ignore “pure people don’t create society.” Maybe that’s why we’re in a mess.</p>

<p>^ I could not agree more. This is best done by stating just the facts, followed by a sincere statement of a lesson learned about integrity and honor. Short, simple, and no mention of a misunderstanding. At this point their BS meter hits the roof. Even though you feel you were wrongly accused, it happened, you have to address it. To be blunt, suck it up and at least appear to have learned from your error.</p>

<p>I knew that was probably what I had to do. It’s really frustrating though, this is 2 years ago and its biting me in the butt now. Also, at the time I recieved the honor code my councilers told me it would be taken off my record and not shown to colleges if I didn’t do anything for two years. But because of how competitive things have become, colleges are now asking about all 4 years.
One other thing is that my parents have a different view how to address it, they believe that I MUST tell my story, not give into ‘admitting’ I cheated, and keeping my integrity. I think this may screw me over if the college thinks that I haven’t accept responibility for my actions…when I have.</p>

<p>I’d talk to your GC! It sounds like your punishment might have gotten expunged.</p>

<p>Uh…</p>

<p>You did mention “ISS” did you not? As in, in-school-suspension? I’m pretty sure that this is regarded as a glorified form of detention and is not considered “formal disciplinary action” that all colleges require you notify them about.</p>

<p>I’m not 100% certain of this but I’ve read that things such a “OOS” or simply suspension, expulsion, incarceration, and so on are the only things that meet the criteria for this issue.</p>

<p>So you may not need to explain this after all.</p>

<p>The common app reads:</p>

<ol>
<li>Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any secondary school you have attended, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in your probation, suspension, removal, dismissal or expulsion from the institution?</li>
</ol>

<p>Ask guidance if your infraction fit the code for any of the above and how you should truthfully answer.</p>

<p>ISS = suspension</p>

<p>[Must</a> Sophomore In-School Suspension Be Reported on College Applications? - Ask The Dean](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/must-sophomore-in-school-suspension-be-reported-on-college-applications.htm]Must”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/must-sophomore-in-school-suspension-be-reported-on-college-applications.htm)</p>

<p>There seems to be some debate over the exact classification of ISS – detention vs suspension. I think the ‘probation’ still makes this reportable, but apparently all ISS are not created equal. </p>

<p>Check with the GC/Administration and follow their lead. I would certainly err on the side of reporting and hopefully get the GC and/or Teacher involved make any appeal as to overall character during and since.</p>

<p>I have to include it on the application. And yes it was ISS, in school suspension. Thats the reward that goes along with an honor code violation at my school. I’m not trying to get it off my record (although that’d be nice)…It’s been 2 years. I don’t wanna dig up a dead body and examine it. I have done what yall said to do - show that i take responsibility, tell what I’ve done since then and how I’ve overcome it, and what I’ve learned from it. I’m just wondering…should I like tell what happened or should I just say plainly I was seen cheating. I just think it should be more of THAT it happened and not WHY.</p>

<p>So I recieved my admission status from Georgia Tech and I DID get in. Apparently this didn’t hurt me as much as I thought it would.</p>