<p>^No, the same logic does not apply to different wrongs: "sabotaging classmates’ experiments to improve their own standing. " vs. common criminal activity. By the same tolken, if one was determined to be cheating on MCAT, police would not be involved, the person would be escorted out of exam. In both cases, in my D’s actual case and imaginary MCAT cheating case, the cheater did not achieve the goal of “stealing” (shark or MCAT score). Although shark was physically stolen, in actuality it was replaced and incidences like these are covered by tuition payments, I am sure.</p>
<p>Exactly the same is going on with writing essays. Kids who use somebody to write their essays eventually are faced with writing them at many instances at college. Even science lab reports are easier for good experienced writers. Kids who are not used to writing, who avoided it at any cost, will have harder time when it really counts. There is whole tons of writing going on at college (and I am talking from prospective of science major, there are much more in other majors as I can imagine). Not having writing experience will hurt tons and will be real punishment. Not getting to college of choice is a very small price to pay in comparison to inability to sustain requiremnts at college of your choice. The last cost more $$ and time.</p>