In tenth grade, I accidentally paraphrased a source without citing it. I did not intentionally do this, I know that plagiarism is very wrong and have never attempted it, or any other sort of intended cheating.
My teacher wrote a note on my paper, took off like…10-15 points (out of 80ish points), but did not directly talk to me about it. This is all that happened, I didn’t receive any other disciplinary action.
What is the chance that this went on my record, or that she told the office?
Do I have to check the “academic dishonesty” box on the Common App, and will this have any effect on my application?
I moved schools the next year, so I’m no longer at this school either.
Please help, I’m very worried
I would not worry. Your teacher handled it appropriately. You were not notified of any additional discipline. You do not need to check the box. This will have no effect on your application.
You’re being paranoid. You’ll be fine and you don’t have to check the academic dishonesty box as it didn’t go on your transcript or official records.
Agree with the others.
And, don’t feel bad about being paranoid. Many of us were (for one reason or another) when applying to college, It’s stressful, but you’re fine.
It’s only a big deal when it’s on your permanent record and you received disciplinary action (like a suspension) for it. You’re fine.
I’m big on doing your work, and have no respect for those who steal the work from others or cheat.
But that’s not what you did. You didn’t steal some kid’s college essay, you forgot to cite a source on a 10th grade paper.
You made a mistake, and you learned from it. That’s what education is.
Don’t check any boxes. Forget the incident-- though not the lesson you learned from it-- and move on.