<p>I was caught cheating during the first week of my freshman year, and was "suspended", understandably, for half of a day. I was then placed on "disciplinary probation" for the remainder of my freshman year. Since I will have to mention this on the common app, will it have any negative effect on my admissions chances?
Would it help to ask the dean of students or the principle at my high school to write a letter regarding my "change" (for the better) following the incident?</p>
<p>I should note that I am applying to very selective schools. I am crossing my fingers in hopes that the incident will not mean anything.
Any insight?</p>
<p>Personally, I think it looks really bad to have a record of cheating for any University. So I think you’ll have to do a lot of convincing. I don’t know how that will work out for you. </p>
<p>suspensions are tough to overcome. Universities (esp top notch) don’t put up with discipline problems. Many a ppl in my school have been rejected from UGA (the “dream school” where I live) because of silly fights and pranks, most of which occurred as freshman. I hope it works out for you, but honestly I’m not very sure.</p>
<p>why oh why do people think 14 and 15 year old freshman are mature enough to realize that their actions have long standing consequences? high school sucks.</p>
<p>not all 14 yr olds make those types of mistakes, so doing the right thing isn’t exactly impossible. I’m glad society rewards ppl for doing the right thing, instead of making excuses for those who chose not to (even if it was just once)</p>
<p>you guys are making me want to cry
does it make any difference that I’m now senior class president and president of three clubs? Could that letter help a big deal?
Would it be a horrible idea not to mention it? The guidance department is forbidden to give discipline records and I don’t think a single one of my teachers or friends knows about it.
What about a letter from the teacher whose class it happened in?</p>
<p>There’s a box on the common app where you check that you’ve been suspended or expelled before.</p>
<p>It’s a HUGE detriment to an application. Espescially at Ivy Leagues where they’re huge on honor codes. You’re listed as a cheater and have had disciplinary action taken against you. You are also required to explain this on your application.</p>
<p>Sorry but this one incident may very well screw you out of any top colleges. </p>
<p>I guess it’s true that cheaters never prosper. I’d rather take a 0% than cheat on anything.</p>
<p>Yes it will make a difference if you can show that you have learned from a mistake. </p>
<p>I’m not sure about hiding (or failing to mention) the suspension, but I think a letter might be in order if it will be included – that would seem a lot more dishonest to me than someone who is dealing with it head on (assuming of course I was on a committee). 1st week as a Freshman that only merited a 1/2 day suspension? </p>
<p>Is there a chance that you can talk to some real admission officials from 1 or 2 of the places you are interested in? Also check the “Ask the Dean” subforum on CC if you haven’t already.</p>
<p>I should note that I did not actually “cheat”. Allow me to briefly explain the incident. I had left a textbook in a teacher’s room that I needed for a test in her class the next day. I went into her classroom after school hours after cross country practice (around 6:30 pm) and found the book, and was on my way out when I saw a scan-tron answer sheet. Temptation took over me and I took a closer look at the scan-tron, and it turned out to be the answer key to the next day’s test (this was my first ever test in high school). I picked up the scan tron and thought heavily for several seconds about taking the answer sheet home. At this point, I should note that I have an anxiety disorder. As I held it in my hands, I began to panic, and began breathing heavily; I couldn’t bear the thought of the consequences of being caught (ironic, I know). At this, I set the answer sheet down and quickly made my way out of the room back to my mother’s car.
The next day, it was evident that the answer sheet had been tampered with, as it was in a different place, and crinkled by my handling of it. Suspicions that I was involved arose because another teacher had seen me around the classroom the night before while I was retrieving my textbook. After class, the teacher of that class and the dean of students spoke with me and asked me if I was involved. I confessed immediately. I was allowed to take the test, but was sent home for the rest of the day. It was pretty evident that I didn’t cheat, because I got a C on the test.
The school was gracious enough to have the incident put down as “attempted academic misconduct” or something to that nature instead of just outright “cheating”.
Is this as serious as just outright cheating?
Please, someone, tell me that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.</p>
<p>I’ve looked at your previous chance threads and I have some unfortunate news: it is highly unlikely that you will be accepted to ANY of your target/reach schools given an instance of academic dishonesty. I would only apply to one reach you really like and colgate, cmu, and maybe Emory as all the others WILL just flat out deny you.
Overall, I think it would be best to really find some safeties that you like.</p>
<p>^Some seriously flawed ideology in the above post. The selectivity of a school does not affect how they deal with academic integrity i.e. Emory will not be more generous just because its easier to get into than Harvard.</p>
<p>Perhaps you could write your essay based on this “incident”. This would give you a chance to explain what happened, how you felt, what you’ve learned…and that you’re a better person because of this. They want essays which let them see the real “you”, this might work. I don’t know but I thought I’d throw this out. What do others think?
Listen, don’t punish yourself for your past. Every person makes mistakes and everything will work out fine in the end.</p>
<p>^Sounds counterproductive to what the OP wants to do. He should try too minimize the damage his actions have caused, and hope that maybe colleges won’t consider it a great liability; writing an essay about the topic would only confirm the fact that it was a “big deal”, which is exactly what the OP does not need.</p>
<p>Oh, one more thing. Before you do anything, talk to your guidance counselor and if need be, the principal of your school. High schools want their students to succeed and you may be surprised at how helpful they might be.</p>