cliff814 wrote:
rhyme wrote:
Long winded explanations about how it was an unintentional act are going to come off as excuse ridden...
Ignoring it could work, but it could also spectacularly backfire - even months after you've been admitted. So thats probably not a good choice.
In my view, there is only way to address this issue. Own up to it, explain it was a tremendous mistake, and categorically and emphatically indicate it won't happen again.
For instance, I might write: "Regrettably, in 1923, I copied a small portion of an article into an essay. Young and inexperienced, I didn't adequately consider the implications of doing so, and as a result I was put on academic probation. This poor decision has been something I continue to find embarrassing and disappointing. In the seven years since, I have matured greatly and am confident that I would never make such a mistake again."
Something like that....
Thanks for your thoughts, rhyme.
The problem is this happened in my last year of college which makes it a lot worse. I had a completely clean record/school experience right up to the couple weeks before graduation! I guess it was just all the madness and chaos that made me so hasty - and i know that's a poor excuse but it's the truth. I don't want to "spin" it this way or that but what if the truth just doesn't even sound acceptable?
And I wished this happened super long ago, but just 3 years, so...
Further thoughts?
I wouldn't really change your story much... I mean, unless you've got something thats just plumb silly like "I attached the file my roomate wrote in the email to the prof instead of my document by mistake." .... I would stick to the "I'm a gone done f***d up, I'm a real sorry, me knows better, I no do it again, ever ever ever, because I now more mature" story....
I'd simply say that it was a foolish mistake made in during your somewhat less mature undergraduate years (dont draw attention to the year) and stick with the above concept.
Theres not a lot you can do beyond that really. Just be glad you aren't this guy:
https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=1799
He had his offer rescinded this year.