- Joined
- Sep 30, 2008
- Messages
- 37,727
- Reaction score
- 19,046
Hello, I'm applying this cycle to MD/PhD programs. I have high stats (521, 3.9) and what I think are excellent experiences and research but only 1 II so far at a mid-tier school.
In the Spring of 2019 (my junior year), my biochemistry professor offered 1 percentage point of extra credit for writing a 5-page paper about any topic related to biochem. I had taken a Toxicology class the previous semester while studying abroad and wrote a final paper. I submitted this paper for the biochem assignment, and I was flagged by plagiarism software. I literally had no idea self-plagiarism was a thing and did not submit this paper with bad intent. I went through a hearing and was cited for an Honor Code violation. My grade was dropped from A- to B+. I've addressed this on the primary and the secondaries that gave me space to do so. A couple of schools requested info from my Dean's office, which I gave them. Does this completely screw up my chances for admission?
It's good that this is over 2 years ago and you can clearly articulate how this was an honest mistake. It's something you'll probably have to address in interviews, and every little thing matters when you're applying to super-competitive schools as you likely are, but I don't think this kills your changes.