<p>Hi everyone -- I was wondering if I can get someone's advice on a little premed issue. I'm a sophomore at an ivy league school who, because of a moment of irrationality, unwittingly committed a rather idiotic violation of academic honesty that is resulting in a year-long withdrawal.</p>
<p>While the exact transgression is relatively trivial compared to most other cases (cheating on tests, plagiarism, etc) -- I'm willing to accept the consequences that need to accompany this act. This was the first time in my life that I've done this, and it will undoubtedly be the last. I've learned a lot -- but now I'm just wondering, has anyone ever been in a similar situation (or know someone who has) who is willing to share some advice regarding how to move forward?</p>
<p>Up till now I have a pretty solid GPA (3.8 or so) and strong extracurriculars, haven't taken the MCATs yet. I've done a lot of research and have numerous publications. In my time off I'll be doing pretty cool things like going abroad to volunteer, working at a company, including other creative feats. I hope to make a strong comeback story-- I can graduate on time since I have enough credits to graduate in 6 semesters, write a strong senior thesis and graduate with honors, etc.</p>
<p>Anyone have any anecdotes or advice? Is it possible to redeem oneself from this episode and still go to medical school? I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks! And if you would rather discuss this privately, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:villetra@yahoo.com">villetra@yahoo.com</a> --</p>
<p>It must of not been trivial if the school decided to give you a year long withdrawal. My suggestion is that when you do apply to medical school, make sure to explain what happen (e.g it was a lapse in judgment cause by stress, pressure, etc) and how you overcame the situation so it never happened again.</p>
<p>what exactly did you do? if the school took action against you, and if it shows up on your official university records (transcript) you are in trouble. I don't mean to be mean but you are actually pretty screwed. I can't really give you any advise until you say what exactly it was you did, but for starters, try to get this off official records.</p>
<p>Right -- I'm not trying to erase this from my records or claim innocent. It'll definitely be something I will explain, although I will make a comeback story of how this made me stronger and more respectful of integrity, etc. Anyone has any redemption stories? I'd appreciate it! Thanks...!</p>
<p>I'm going to need to know what you did before I say you're completely screwed. But this is a huge hurdle to overcome because it discredits the rest of your accomplishments (numerous publications for instance drew an eyebrow raise from me).</p>
<p>I find it difficult to believe that what you did was relatively trivial, as most often even in cases of plagarism or cheating I have not heard of year-long suspensions being issues (though students usually fail the course), and I am at an ivy as well, and was under the impression that academic regulations were similar across the schools. I also have to air on the side of saying you're in serious trouble, but again, it depends on the particulars of the situation and your ability to expain it. I think you will have to rule out many of the 'top' schools though, even with a 3.8, as they'll have no incentive to take a chance on you, as this mark on your record labels you a risk.</p>