Plagiarizing can be tempting when there is so much information available on the internet. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, copy and pasting may seem like the ideal option. Plagiarizing can also happen inadvertently, when you copy something without putting it in quotes, or rephrase without citing a source. Whatever the case, work hard to diligently avoid plagiarizing because the consequences are serious.
Your Reputation
Plagiarizing will most likely result in a failing grade for that particular project, possibly even the course. However, that is the least devastating outcome. Ultimately, plagiarizing will impact your reputation and your trustworthiness. A teacher that catches you plagiarizing will not be likely to write your recommendation for college or other leadership roles. You will also have to prove that you can do the work and your work will be under extra scrutiny for the rest of your education.
Financial Losses
Many colleges have different protocols for punishing plagiarism. If you plagiarize in college, you may be expelled from the course. This will cost you a significant amount of money. You will not be reimbursed for the course and you will have to pay to take it again. Once again your reputation as a student will be significantly injured. Multiple offenses may result in being removed from the institution.
Don’t Risk It
The consequences for plagiarizing are so severe, that it is much better to take a failing grade on a project than to plagiarize it. An F can damage your GPA, but it won’t destroy your higher education career. Most teachers and professors will have compassion on you if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed and take a proactive approach. Talk with your professors about reasons you may not be able to turn in an assignment on time and ask for an extension. They may take a few points off, but you are not likely to fail if you are open and honest about your situation. The worst thing you can do is wait until the night before to ask for grace from your teachers. The further in advance you can communicate, the more likely you are to be accommodated.
Ask for Help
Accidental plagiarism can result from sloppiness or laziness on the part of the writer. Taking your paper to a writing center or tutor before it is due can help eliminate the chances of accidental plagiarism. Someone who is trained can help you spot these offenses and help you cite appropriately or revise so that the content is not plagiarized. You will never be punished for seeking help long before a deadline.
It is your responsibility not to plagiarize. You will have a very difficult time recovering from this offense. Take a proactive approach so that plagiarizing won’t negatively impact your future.
