The Reality of Cheating: How It Affects Academic Success at Selective Universities
Academic progress at selective universities is fraught with challenges, especially for students who gain admittance through means other than their genuine academic prowess. In Australia, for instance, our top universities typically do not cover material as rapidly as their American and British counterparts. However, the journey towards becoming a successful student beyond high school is far from a straightforward academic sprint.
Week 1: Complete Calculus 1 Course
Week 2: Complete Calculus 2 Course
Week 3: Dive into Hyperbolic Trig
Week 4: Tackle Differential Equations
Week 5: Explore Taylor Series
And so on... Weekly tests and homework. This is just one of the four first-year subjects.
Even an average student can keep up with this pace if they are well-prepared.
Everything, from Calculus 1 and 2, can be tested at the end of the semester, with scaling applied to ensure that only one-third of the class fails. However, the road ahead is much more than mere calculus. The struggle lies in sustaining this pace and maintaining genuine academic achievement.
The Challenge of Sustaining Academic Momentum
Student A, who cheated to gain admittance, finds that their illusion of success is quickly shattered. The initial academic rigor is only the beginning. In MIT, for example, a way to survive even without being a genius is to find the easiest major and courses and graduate. This involves taking the least challenging classes, studying abroad, and taking summer classes for credit. While this can work, it's a questionable approach to higher education.
On the other hand, Student B, who did not cheat, often finds themselves excelling and thriving in their academic pursuits. Their genuine effort and understanding of the material set the stage for long-term success. In a dynamic academic environment, where the difficulty of coursework increases, those who cheat find themselves struggling to keep up with their peers who put in the hard work.
The Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
When a student cheats to gain admittance to a selective university, the admission process itself can be fraught with ethical issues. A common scenario is when someone else takes the test on their behalf. Test scores obtained this way are not only a crime but a serious breach of academic integrity. Another issue is when someone else writes their admission letter; while not a crime, it is a transparent scheme that admissions officers can often detect easily. Both of these strategies can lead to severe consequences. If caught, a student is likely to be expelled, and in extreme cases, they might even face criminal charges.
The Road Less Traveled: Preparing for Higher Education
Instead of attempting to gamer the system through deceit, many students find it more beneficial to take an alternative path. Attending a junior college (JC) for two years to figure out if they truly want a university degree is a common strategy. Additionally, they might opt for a part-time job, take a gap year, or even multiple gap years to catch up and build their skills. This preparatory phase is crucial in ensuring they have the necessary academic foundation to succeed in a selective university.
Conclusion: The True Measure of Success
Academic success in a selective university is a testament to genuine effort, preparation, and understanding. Cheating may provide a temporary advantage, but it does not guarantee long-term success. The academic loads, the myriad of subjects, and the ever-increasing complexity of coursework are designed to challenge students and identify those who are genuinely prepared for the rigors of higher education. Without the proper foundation, even a year of cheating can ultimately lead to disappointment and failure.
By preparing through community college, vocational training, or academic courses, students can ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a selective university. This path, though slower, is more rewarding and less likely to lead to a lifetime of unexplained disappointment and failure.