I got in some trouble... how will it hurt me?

<p>Hey there
So throughout my high school career, I have been caught plagiarizing twice. They are both on my record: one was a plagiarized article I wrote for the school newspaper in which I didn't properly site my internet source, the other was an essay on a book I didn't have time to read for my AP English class. I was so embarrassed of these happenings that I switched high schools halfway through the final semester of my junior year. These oddities are coupled with me taking multiple online classes due to my filled school schedule. My transcript must be as confusing to look at as a Picasso painting.
I am an A/B student, and while I have yet to receive my official SAT score, my PSAT scores have always been good and I will be taking the ACT very soon. I have many extracurriculars including an internship with a movie producer at Sony in LA. He has agreed to write me a wonderful letter of recommendation, but I still fear this will not be enough to get me into the school of my dreams (University of Santa Barbara). The worst part is that I want to become a writer. Will my past prevent me from realizing my goals? What kinds of colleges can I get into? I am currently taking all IB and Honors classes and getting excellent grades at my new school.</p>

<p>is there such a school called University of Santa Barbara?
what are your test scores and your GPA?</p>

<p>Yes, UC Santa Barbara is a school. My current GPA has been inconsistent as I literally switched 3 weeks ago and they are still gathering grade information. However, I currently have a 3.8 but that should be going up as soon as my running grades (As and one B) from my old school transfer over.</p>

<p>Update us when you have scores. If the plagiarism is reported it will probably hurt your chances.</p>

<p>They usually let you explain why there are marks on your record in the “see more” section. I think one plagiarism offense like the first one (not properly sourcing) is okay because people make mistakes and you were a freshman just learning how to source. But the second one is going to be much tougher to explain…</p>