Today I received an email from my premed counselor titled institutional action saying that I had received a warning and would have to report it to AMCAS. I was about to submit my application today and am completely blindsided. Essentially, I received a warning for cheating. It happened completely accidentally and I did it unknowingly, but at the end of the day, cheating is cheating (I can get into more details if needed). After the professor reported me I met with the student conduct board at the time. I was given 3 options to take a warning in writing, write an essay, and assume blame, meet with a student conduct board, or meet with a professor. I took the first option of the warning because I was told by the office that it would not have to be reported to medical schools and it would not be on my personal permanent record. If I had known this would happen I definitely would've gone in front of a board. This is my email correspondence with the assistant director of the conduct office.
Me:
Sorry, I missed your call. I hope you are doing well. I am currently applying to medical school and wanted to know your office's reporting policy and if there is any place where it is outlined in writing. Back in the fall, I remember you said my warning would not affect med school applications, but I just wanted to confirm with you again before I apply.
Assistant Director:
Not a problem. So that is an internal policy. So our office maintains conduct records for all students who have a case with us. However, we do not report any of their conduct information unless their sanctions rise to the level of disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal. Since you were given a warning, our office would not report that out to any med school. The only time we would ever report that information out, is if you specifically gave us permission to do so.
Me:
Just to clarify if a school called your office and asked you would not report anything? Also, would the warning count as a form of institutional action or no? Thanks again for the clarification!
Assistant Director:
Yes, that is correct. Since your sanctions did not rise to disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal we would not report anything. In regards to the institutional action let me clarify with my supervisor.
I have replied back to him 3 times since that email to hear nothing. Is it even worth applying this cycle anymore? Do I hire an attorney? I feel completely deceived by the office and I can't believe my premed counselor would email me about this so last minute. I was about to submit AMCAS today. This even happened in the fall of last year so it's so recent.