Unreported Academic Dishonesty Forum

[GuyTryingToBeHonest]

hey guys, long time lurker here.

I've had something eating at my conscious lately, and want some input as to what I should do about it.

When I was a freshman (in 2006 at a school that isn't my current degree granting institution) I cheated in one of my classes. It wasn't plagiarism, stealing answers for an exam, or anything of that nature. In this particular class assignments were graded in class by each person individually, and scores were reported on the honor system. On 4 or 5 assignments (I think, it's all kind of hazy at this point) I either inflated my scores or reported a score without actually doing the assignment. I'm unsure of the weight of these assignments, and don't even really remember how many there were total. The rest of the courses' assignments I'm pretty sure I got zeros on (I never went to class that semester), and totally bombed the tests. I ended up with a D in the course, and am unsure if the difference those assignments made would have dropped me into the F range (though admittedly I deserve the F just for cheating). I was obviously never caught, but currently feel guilty for doing this.

Aside from this, I have never cheated in any class. Since that semester my grades have been near perfect (3.8+ every semester).

Morally, I feel like I should report this to my former UG even though I was never caught, but realize it could have a damaging effect on my admission chances. Am I being ridiculous for thinking I should? The difference in grades obviously wouldn't change my GPA too much, but will the reported academic dishonesty kill my chances of getting into law school?

Maybe I'm over-thinking this.

[txadv11]

Is this a joke?

If not, I'd say you are over-thinking this.

[glitter178]

hey guys, long time lurker here.

I've had something eating at my conscious lately, and want some input as to what I should do about it.

When I was a freshman (in 2006 at a school that isn't my current degree granting institution) I cheated in one of my classes. It wasn't plagiarism, stealing answers for an exam, or anything of that nature. In this particular class assignments were graded in class by each person individually, and scores were reported on the honor system. On 4 or 5 assignments (I think, it's all kind of hazy at this point) I either inflated my scores or reported a score without actually doing the assignment. I'm unsure of the weight of these assignments, and don't even really remember how many there were total. The rest of the courses' assignments I'm pretty sure I got zeros on (I never went to class that semester), and totally bombed the tests. I ended up with a D in the course, and am unsure if the difference those assignments made would have dropped me into the F range (though admittedly I deserve the F just for cheating). I was obviously never caught, but currently feel guilty for doing this.

Aside from this, I have never cheated in any class. Since that semester my grades have been near perfect (3.8+ every semester).

Morally, I feel like I should report this to my former UG even though I was never caught, but realize it could have a damaging effect on my admission chances. Am I being ridiculous for thinking I should? The difference in grades obviously wouldn't change my GPA too much, but will the reported academic dishonesty kill my chances of getting into law school?

Maybe I'm over-thinking this.

let me get this straight... you want to report a 5 year-old, isolated case of academic dishonesty that you didn't get caught for? And you weren't even good at?

just forget about it, and don't do it again.

[socraticmethodman]

Based on OP's name and single post, I assume this is a joke?

[06162014123]

.

[ElvisAaron]

Well, its been so long that if you went back they probably wouldn't even know what to do or say...so in the interest of atonement I'd suggest you simply throw yourself down a flight of stairs.

[fundamentallybroken]

This one time, in high school, I accidentally stole a pencil from a store. I was showing it to a friend, then absentmindedly put it in my pocket instead of back on the shelf. The thing is, when I realized I had stolen the pencil, I didn't return it to the store. I just kept it.

Do you think I should tell my adcomms about this? Will this show up in a C&F??

[txadv11]

This one time, in high school, I accidentally stole a pencil from a store. I was showing it to a friend, then absentmindedly put it in my pocket instead of back on the shelf. The thing is, when I realized I had stolen the pencil, I didn't return it to the store. I just kept it.

Do you think I should tell my adcomms about this? Will this show up in a C&F??

First step, theft of a pencil, next step Brady violation.
Shame.

[geoduck]

This one time, in high school, I accidentally stole a pencil from a store. I was showing it to a friend, then absentmindedly put it in my pocket instead of back on the shelf. The thing is, when I realized I had stolen the pencil, I didn't return it to the store. I just kept it.

Do you think I should tell my adcomms about this? Will this show up in a C&F??

First step, theft of a pencil, next step Brady violation.
Shame.

I did that once with yeast. Would that count as kidnapping as well? Oh god... I'll never pass C&F!!!

[fundamentallybroken]

This one time, in high school, I accidentally stole a pencil from a store. I was showing it to a friend, then absentmindedly put it in my pocket instead of back on the shelf. The thing is, when I realized I had stolen the pencil, I didn't return it to the store. I just kept it.

Do you think I should tell my adcomms about this? Will this show up in a C&F??

First step, theft of a pencil, next step Brady violation.
Shame.

I did that once with yeast. Would that count as kidnapping as well? Oh god... I'll never pass C&F!!!

It might be considered kidnapping, but that would be pretty passive. Now, if you had mixed it with some warm water first, then you might be looking at agitated kidnapping.

(I'm now going to go hit myself in the head with a hammer for that one.)

[kwais]

This one time, I went into the sac 'o suds, and accidentally stole a can of tuna. But then I was wrongfully accused of killing the clerk. Luckily my cousin from NY came and saved my ass. Do you guys think that C&F will care about the tuna? or will they take it easy on me considering the wrongful accusation?

[txadv11]

This one time, in high school, I accidentally stole a pencil from a store. I was showing it to a friend, then absentmindedly put it in my pocket instead of back on the shelf. The thing is, when I realized I had stolen the pencil, I didn't return it to the store. I just kept it.

Do you think I should tell my adcomms about this? Will this show up in a C&F??

First step, theft of a pencil, next step Brady violation.
Shame.

I did that once with yeast. Would that count as kidnapping as well? Oh god... I'll never pass C&F!!!

It might be considered kidnapping, but that would be pretty passive. Now, if you had mixed it with some warm water first, then you might be looking at agitated kidnapping.

(I'm now going to go hit myself in the head with a hammer for that one.)

We could be dealing with an issue of interstate commerce here. Treason isn't too far of a reach.

[geoduck]

This one time, I went into the sac 'o suds, and accidentally stole a can of tuna. But then I was wrongfully accused of killing the clerk. Luckily my cousin from NY came and saved my ass. Do you guys think that C&F will care about the tuna? or will they take it easy on me considering the wrongful accusation?

I think they'd frown upon you giving a false confession. Also, for going on Dancing with the Stars.

[geoduck]

I did that once with yeast. Would that count as kidnapping as well? Oh god... I'll never pass C&F!!!

It might be considered kidnapping, but that would be pretty passive. Now, if you had mixed it with some warm water first, then you might be looking at agitated kidnapping.

(I'm now going to go hit myself in the head with a hammer for that one.)

We could be dealing with an issue of interstate commerce here. Treason isn't too far of a reach.

It was live yeast from the refrigerated section too. Not just the active dry stuff in the packets. I'm definitely expecting false imprisonment and forced labor charges.

[kwais]

This one time, I went into the sac 'o suds, and accidentally stole a can of tuna. But then I was wrongfully accused of killing the clerk. Luckily my cousin from NY came and saved my ass. Do you guys think that C&F will care about the tuna? or will they take it easy on me considering the wrongful accusation?

I think they'd frown upon you giving a false confession. Also, for going on Dancing with the Stars.

true but does my karate background count as a soft?

[gothamm]

I don't think you should attend law school.

[Spookyghost]

You're never gonna pass character and fitness. IT'S ALL OVER FOR YOU.

[swc65]

If not, just don't worry about it. Everyone does stupid stuff. Learn from it and don't do it again.

[094320]

..

[bport hopeful]

Report yourself. Its the honest thing to do.

[3ThrowAway99]

hey guys, long time lurker here.

I've had something eating at my conscious lately, and want some input as to what I should do about it.

When I was a freshman (in 2006 at a school that isn't my current degree granting institution) I cheated in one of my classes. It wasn't plagiarism, stealing answers for an exam, or anything of that nature. In this particular class assignments were graded in class by each person individually, and scores were reported on the honor system. On 4 or 5 assignments (I think, it's all kind of hazy at this point) I either inflated my scores or reported a score without actually doing the assignment. I'm unsure of the weight of these assignments, and don't even really remember how many there were total. The rest of the courses' assignments I'm pretty sure I got zeros on (I never went to class that semester), and totally bombed the tests. I ended up with a D in the course, and am unsure if the difference those assignments made would have dropped me into the F range (though admittedly I deserve the F just for cheating). I was obviously never caught, but currently feel guilty for doing this.

Aside from this, I have never cheated in any class. Since that semester my grades have been near perfect (3.8+ every semester).

Morally, I feel like I should report this to my former UG even though I was never caught, but realize it could have a damaging effect on my admission chances. Am I being ridiculous for thinking I should? The difference in grades obviously wouldn't change my GPA too much, but will the reported academic dishonesty kill my chances of getting into law school?

Maybe I'm over-thinking this.

I think what your conscience tells you is important, but I would also use discretion about how you proceed. Bottom-line is that this isn't prob going to make or break your law admissions one way or the other IMO. But, I would apply to law schools first, answer the C and F questions on the apps based on what they ask (which is usually have you ever been disciplined, not whether you have ever cheated), get your acceptances, and then if you feel it is the right thing to do contact your school in a tactful manner. That way you will have been honest on the apps and perhaps mitigate risk in making a conscience-based disclosure. I think those who are effectively laughing at you in this thread are undervaluing your peace-of-mind. But, I also think you should consult an someone you trust on this IRL and proceed with caution.

[firemed]

I think the responses you have received all the answer you need really.

[Sandro]

Disclose immediately. You should also include steps you have taken to ensure you never inflate your self worth again.