Recently was caught for an academic integrity violation on a unit exam for one of my core STEM classes, not sure of the punishment as of yet but will this hurt my odds of getting in to colleges with acceptance rates between 45-85%?
For reference, this occurred due to insane stress I faced due to family-related issues, issues with college applications, along with much more that I’m still trying to figure out. I’ve got decent GPA/SAT stats (3.7UW/4.3W, 1470 SSC), and am taking high-difficulty classes. Will explaining the situation as an update to my EA application reduce any of the scrutiny I’ll be facing from admissions people for having any punishments related to this on my transcript?
Rule #1. Accept blame. You did it. Having to do college applications or family did not do it. You did it. Yes, you may have too little time and too much going on and I understand you compensated by cheating but you did cheat. No one forced you to. Perhaps the smarter alternative was doing poorly. But by staring why you cheated you are trying to justify it and there is no justification so do not share that…in fact don’t even believe it yourself. People want honest people. Not dishonest people who justify their lies.
Watch how you phrase it is my point. When they ask what happened say what you did. That you cheated…you whatever you did…Used notes or got the answer from a friend. What you learned if it is asked. The why you did it is not relevant. You did it. But learning to acknowledge your errors…and we all make mistakes…is a good rule for life.
Sounds like you are applying to less selective schools so I’m sure you’ll get in somewhere but if you have concern then apply to a few more.
In the meantime if you’ve submitted apps you might call and ask (you can do so anonymously) how you should let a school know this has happened. You probably should wait for the outcome though before reporting because it may not be on your transcript. Perhaps you’ll just get an F on the test and a C in the class and it will be over without anyone knowing but you knowing never to do it again.
Good luck. I’m sure it will all work out.
To answer your question, it depends on the school and it’s policies.
4 Likes
First, meet with your GC. What will be reported? Will any recommendation be pulled? Will there be retroactive changes, ie., will the school/the GC call the colleges you’ve already applied to? Will there be changes in your file and will that be communicated to colleges you apply to now on (very likely)!
If it’s not on your transcript, you’ll “just” have an F to deal with. If it IS on your transcript, you better add a few affordable universities to your list. May I suggest all your state’s directionals and a few “free to apply” LACs from the Midwest?
Finally, you cheated. No one will care why. A C would have been better than being caught, hopefully you realize this, and won’t do it again, but no matter what, your focus needs to be 1° acknowledge the wrong 2° explain what you’ll do to make it up and 3° explain you won’t do it again and thus how, when you’re super stressed, will deal with the problem that led you to cheating.