Is there a chance? Reporting an IA regarding academic misconduct.

[LimeLaCroix]

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Hey guys,

During my freshman year general chemistry, I got cited for copying answers to a lab report I found online (posted online by a previous student) and received a zero on the assignment as a result. It was such a dumb thing to do and how my dumb freshman self expected that to fly by is truly embarrassing. While I realize that having an academic integrity related IA is a huge red flag on your app and is a potential outright app-killer, I wanted to see if there is still hope for me.

I plan on owning up to this fully on my app and discussing the changes I have made in myself since then along with my involvement in meaningful activities that I hope will help reflect my growth in character and my dedication to pursuing medicine.
I have a strong upward trend in my academics (2.91 --> 3.7 --> 3.93 --> 3.91) and currently my stats are sitting at 3.6 sGPA and a 515 MCAT, with a strong research experience (publication to be submitted by June) and around 270 clinical hours.
Given my circumstances, is there a chance at a successful application cycle? I want to believe that I can show my growth as a person and in my character since then and wanted to know if there's a chance at turning this around.

Thank you guys in advance.

 

[TheDataKing]

were you actually given an IA or were you just given a 0 on the assignment?

 

[LimeLaCroix]

were you actually given an IA or were you just given a 0 on the assignment?

Thanks for the reply. I received a zero on the assignment and the instructor then reported me to judicial affairs, which contacted me saying that although this won't appear on my academic records or lead to any further sanctions beyond the zero, that they will keep a record of it. Because of this I deemed it as an institutional action.

 

[FalconSlice]

Hey guys,

During my freshman year general chemistry, I got cited for copying answers to a lab report I found online (posted online by a previous student) and received a zero on the assignment as a result. It was such a dumb thing to do and how my dumb freshman self expected that to fly by is truly embarrassing. While I realize that having an academic integrity related IA is a huge red flag on your app and is a potential outright app-killer, I wanted to see if there is still hope for me.

I plan on owning up to this fully on my app and discussing the changes I have made in myself since then along with my involvement in meaningful activities that I hope will help reflect my growth in character and my dedication to pursuing medicine.
I have a strong upward trend in my academics (2.91 --> 3.7 --> 3.93 --> 3.91) and currently my stats are sitting at 3.6 sGPA and a 515 MCAT, with a strong research experience (publication to be submitted by June) and around 270 clinical hours.
Given my circumstances, is there a chance at a successful application cycle? I want to believe that I can show my growth as a person and in my character since then and wanted to know if there's a chance at turning this around.

Thank you guys in advance.

Most schools and people have a zero-tolerance for this kind of stuff... including ADCOMs. Also, I believe AMCAS used to mention that you have to report things like this (i.e. institutional actions) even if it doesn't show up on transcripts. Someone should double check me.

 

[LimeLaCroix]

Most schools and people have a zero-tolerance for this kind of stuff... including ADCOMs. Also, I believe AMCAS used to mention that you have to report things like this (i.e. institutional actions) even if it doesn't show up on transcripts. Someone should double check me.

Yes, you're correct. That is why I'm disclosing it on AMCAS, despite the incident not appearing on my transcript/academic record.

 

[deleted859689]

Lab report, not a test? Maybe you have a chance if you explain? @Goro

 

[LimeLaCroix]

You do have to report an IA on AMCAS. However, a freshman copying answers for a lab report/homework (as opposed to exam) is so minor. I would suggest that most adcoms would chalk this up to immaturity and freshman stupidity. Just write a VERY SHORT BLURB (2-3 Sentences) on AMCAS and move forward. If you write anymore than that it starts sounding like excuses and that will kill you .

"as an immature and admittedly dumb freshman, I received a zero on a CHEM lab assignment for copying answers I found on the internet for the class. This never occurred again and this harsh lesson helped me mature as well focus my abilities to work hard which I believe is reflected in my academic record"

Thanks for the reply. Do you think elaborating beyond that is completely unnecessary? I was planning on writing something along the lines of what you said, in addition to talking about activities/roles I have taken since then that helped me learn more about responsibility and academic integrity.

 

[Goro]

I agree with my learned colleague, the right honorable gentleman from the Empire State.