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What Happens If You Plagiarize In High School?

Plagiarism, the act of passing off someone else’s work as your own, is a serious offense that can have severe consequences, especially in the academic realm. High school is a crucial stage where students learn the importance of academic integrity and develop essential research and writing skills.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Plagiarizing in high school can lead to academic penalties, such as failing grades, suspension, or even expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense and the school’s policies.

It can also damage your reputation and credibility, making it harder to gain admission to colleges or universities.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the consequences of plagiarism in high school, explore the reasons why students might resort to it, and provide strategies to avoid it. We’ll also discuss the importance of academic integrity and the long-term benefits of developing strong research and writing skills.

Academic Consequences of Plagiarism

Plagiarism in high school is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for a student’s academic career. It’s crucial to understand the gravity of this issue and the potential ramifications that can follow.

According to a study by Plagiarism.org , over 36% of high school students admitted to plagiarizing from the internet. 🤯 This alarming statistic highlights the need for better education and awareness about academic integrity.

Failing Grades and Academic Penalties

One of the most immediate consequences of plagiarism is receiving a failing grade or zero on the assignment in question. Many schools have strict policies that automatically result in a failing grade for any work that contains plagiarized content.

😔 This can significantly impact a student’s overall GPA and academic standing. In addition, some schools may impose further penalties, such as academic probation or the revocation of honors or awards. These penalties can have long-lasting effects on a student’s academic record and future opportunities.

Suspension or Expulsion

In cases of severe or repeated plagiarism, high schools may take more drastic measures, including suspension or even expulsion. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Education , approximately 3% of high school students are suspended or expelled each year for academic dishonesty, including plagiarism.

😲 Being suspended or expelled from school can have a profound impact on a student’s educational journey and future prospects, making it challenging to transfer to another school or gain admission to college.

Impact on College Admissions

Plagiarism in high school can also have far-reaching consequences when it comes to college admissions. Many colleges and universities take academic integrity very seriously and may view instances of plagiarism as a red flag.

A record of plagiarism or academic dishonesty can potentially harm a student’s chances of being accepted into their desired college or university. Additionally, some colleges may require applicants to disclose any instances of academic misconduct, which could further jeopardize their admission prospects.

It’s important to remember that plagiarism is not just a matter of academic rules; it’s a violation of ethical principles and intellectual property rights. By understanding the serious consequences of plagiarism, high school students can be motivated to uphold academic integrity and develop good research and citation practices.

After all, the consequences of plagiarism can be far-reaching and potentially derail a student’s academic and professional aspirations. 💯

Reasons Why Students Plagiarize

Lack of time management skills.

One of the primary reasons why students resort to plagiarism is a lack of time management skills. High school can be a demanding period, with students juggling multiple assignments, extracurricular activities, and social commitments.

Without proper planning and organization, they may find themselves overwhelmed and resort to copying someone else’s work to meet deadlines. According to a survey by Plagiarism.org , nearly 36% of students admitted to plagiarizing due to time constraints.

Difficulty Understanding the Material

Some students may struggle to grasp the concepts or material being taught, leading them to plagiarize out of frustration or a lack of understanding. Complex topics, unfamiliar terminology, or inadequate instruction can all contribute to this issue.

Instead of seeking help or clarification, some students may take the easier route of copying from online sources or their peers. A study by ETS revealed that 28% of students plagiarized because they didn’t understand the assignment or the material.

Pressure to Achieve High Grades

The intense pressure to maintain high grades can drive students to make unethical choices, including plagiarism. In a highly competitive academic environment, the fear of failure or the desire to impress parents, teachers, or college admissions officers may lead some students to prioritize grades over integrity.

A survey by Turnitin found that 😲 a staggering 59% of students admitted to plagiarizing to improve their grades.

Lack of Awareness or Understanding of Plagiarism

While it may seem surprising, many students simply lack a clear understanding of what constitutes plagiarism. They may not fully grasp the concept of intellectual property or the importance of properly citing sources.

Some students may inadvertently plagiarize due to poor note-taking practices or a failure to properly paraphrase or quote material. According to AMA , up to 24% of students who plagiarized claimed they didn’t realize they were doing it.

It’s crucial for educators and parents to address these underlying reasons and provide students with the necessary support and guidance. This includes teaching effective time management strategies, offering academic support resources, fostering a growth mindset, and emphasizing the importance of academic integrity from an early age.

By addressing these issues proactively, we can help students develop the skills and ethical values necessary to succeed in their academic pursuits and beyond.

Strategies to Avoid Plagiarism

Proper citation and referencing.

Citing sources accurately is crucial in academic writing to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Whether you’re quoting directly or paraphrasing ideas, always provide proper attribution to the original authors.

Familiarize yourself with citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago, depending on your institution’s guidelines. Tools like Citation Machine can help you format references correctly. Remember, even if you don’t intend to plagiarize, failing to cite sources appropriately can still lead to serious consequences.

Time Management and Planning

Procrastination is one of the leading causes of plagiarism among students. When you leave assignments until the last minute, the temptation to take shortcuts or copy content can be overwhelming. Develop effective time management skills and create a realistic schedule for your assignments.

Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and allocate sufficient time for research, writing, and proofreading. According to a study by Scribbr , over 60% of students admitted to plagiarizing due to poor time management. Don’t let procrastination jeopardize your academic integrity!

Seeking Help and Guidance

If you’re struggling with an assignment or unsure about proper citation practices, don’t hesitate to seek help from your instructors, teaching assistants, or academic support services. Many schools offer writing centers or peer tutoring programs to assist students with research, writing, and referencing.

These resources can provide valuable guidance and prevent unintentional plagiarism. Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 😊 Your instructors want you to succeed and are there to support you.

Understanding Academic Integrity Policies

Familiarize yourself with your institution’s academic integrity policies and the consequences of plagiarism. These policies are in place to uphold the integrity of the academic community and ensure fair assessment.

Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse – take the time to understand what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it. Many schools offer online tutorials or workshops to educate students about academic integrity.

Plagiarism can have severe consequences, ranging from failing an assignment to expulsion, so it’s crucial to take these policies seriously.

The Importance of Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the foundation upon which the entire educational system rests. It is a principle that upholds the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in the pursuit of knowledge.

Maintaining academic integrity not only ensures the credibility of one’s academic achievements but also fosters personal growth and prepares individuals for future success.

Building Trust and Credibility

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty undermine the trust and credibility that society places in educational institutions and their graduates. By upholding academic integrity, students demonstrate their commitment to ethical behavior and earn the respect of their peers, instructors, and potential employers.

According to a study by the International Center for Academic Integrity , institutions with strong academic integrity policies have higher graduation rates and better student outcomes.

Developing Critical Thinking and Writing Skills

The process of researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information from various sources is crucial for developing critical thinking and writing skills. When students engage in plagiarism, they deprive themselves of the opportunity to hone these essential skills.

Authentic learning experiences foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter . A survey by Inside Higher Ed found that 62% of admissions officers consider academic integrity violations as “fair game” when evaluating applicants.

Preparing for Future Academic and Professional Success

Academic integrity is not just a requirement for high school or college; it is a lifelong commitment to ethical behavior that will serve individuals well in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Upholding academic integrity in high school lays the groundwork for success in higher education and beyond . Employers value individuals who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

According to a report by ETS , 96% of employers believe that academic integrity is an essential skill for career success.

Plagiarism in high school is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences, both academic and personal. By understanding the reasons why students might resort to plagiarism and implementing effective strategies to avoid it, students can develop strong research and writing skills, build trust and credibility, and prepare themselves for future academic and professional success.

Ultimately, academic integrity is not just about following rules; it’s about embracing a mindset of honesty, ethical behavior, and respect for intellectual property. By upholding these values, high school students can lay a solid foundation for their future endeavors and contribute to a culture of academic excellence.

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What happens if You plagiarize in high school?

As a high school student, you’ve probably heard the term "plagiarism" thrown around, but you might not be entirely sure what it means or what the consequences are if you’re caught. Plagiarism is the act of passing off someone else’s work, words, or ideas as your own . Whether it’s copying and pasting from the internet, using a classmate’s homework, or stealing a friend’s ideas, plagiarism is a serious offense that can have significant consequences.

What are the consequences of plagiarism in high school?

If you’re caught plagiarizing in high school, the consequences can vary depending on your school’s policies and the severity of the offense. Here are some potential consequences:

• Loss of credit : In some cases, you may have to redo the assignment or even the entire course.
• Detention or suspension : You might receive detention or suspension as a punishment for your actions.
• Grade reduction : Your grade on the affected assignment or even the entire course may be reduced.
• Academic probation : You may be placed on academic probation, which means you’ll be closely monitored to ensure you meet academic standards.
• Repercussions on your GPA : Plagiarism can significantly impact your cumulative GPA, making it harder to get into your desired colleges or scholarships.
• Strained relationships : Word of your actions can spread quickly, and your relationships with teachers and peers may suffer.
• Stains on your reputation : Plagiarism can damage your academic reputation, making it harder to rebuild trust with teachers, peers, and even potential employers.

How to avoid plagiarism in high school

While the consequences of plagiarism can be severe, it’s essential to remember that there are ways to avoid it. Here are some tips to help you avoid plagiarism:

• Cite your sources : Properly cite any sources you use in your work, whether it’s a book, article, or online resource.
• Use quotes responsibly : Use quotes only when necessary, and make sure to properly cite the original author.
• Paraphrase and summarize : Instead of copying and pasting, try to paraphrase and summarize the information in your own words.
• Use online tools : Utilize online tools, like plagiarism checkers, to ensure your work is original.
• Keep track of your sources : Keep a record of your sources, including notes, pictures, and resources used.

What are the most common forms of plagiarism?

Some of the most common forms of plagiarism include:

• Cut-and-paste plagiarism : Copying and pasting content from the internet without proper citation.
• Mosaic plagiarism : Using someone else’s words, ideas, or concepts without proper citation.
• Self-plagiarism : Submitting previously submitted work as new, without proper citation.
• Collaboration plagiarism : Working with others to produce a piece of work without proper attribution.

What can you do if you’re accused of plagiarism?

If you’re accused of plagiarism, it’s essential to take immediate action. Here are some steps you can take:

• Hear them out : Listen to the teacher’s concerns and concerns, and don’t become defensive.
• Explain yourself : Provide a clear explanation of what happened, and what you did to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
• Offer a plan to improve : Show that you’re committed to improving your academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism in the future.
• Seek help : Talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or academic advisor for guidance and support.

Plagiarism is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for your academic and personal reputation. By understanding what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, and the potential consequences, you can prevent these issues from arising. Remember, it’s always better to be honest and original, rather than risking your reputation and future.

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Plagiarism: Don't let it happen to you!

• Academic Integrity @ SCU
• Plagiarism Defined
• Types of Plagiarism
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Paraphrasing
• Citing Properly

Get Help 24/7

Student conduct code / academic integrity pledge.

The Student Conduct Code outlines all the behaviors expected of students at SCU, including guidelines about academic integrity.

Engaging in any form of academic dishonesty such as plagiarism (i.e., representing the work or ideas of others as one’s own without giving proper acknowledgment), cheating (e.g., copying the work of another person, falsifying laboratory data, sabotaging the work of others), and other acts generally understood to be dishonest by faculty or students in an academic context.

The Academic Integrity Pledge is an expression of Santa Clara University's Catholic, Jesuit identity. 

Committing to academic integrity not only emphasizes the value of a Santa Clara education, it also expresses the values that are a cornerstones of a Santa Clara education: being students of competence, conscience, and compassion who strive to fashion a more humane, just and sustainable world.

The Undergraduate Bulletin on Academic Integrity affirms the following:

"Students are expected to do their own work and to cite any sources they use. Academic dishonesty may include but is not limited to plagiarism (i.e., representing the work or ideas of others as one's own without giving proper acknowledgment), cheating (e.g., copying the work of another person, falsifying laboratory data, sabotaging the work of others), and other acts generally understood to be dishonest by faculty or students in an academic context."

"A student who is guilty of a dishonest act in an examination, paper, or other work required for a course, or who assists others in such an act, may, at the discretion of the instructor, receive a grade of "F" for the course. In addition, a student found guilty of a dishonest act may be subject to sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the University, as a result of the student judicial process as described in the Student Handbook and the Academic Integrity Protocol. A student who violates copyright laws, including those covering the copying of software programs, or who knowingly alters official academic records from this or any other institution is subject to similar disciplinary action."

Consult this page for further academic integrity resources.

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Plagiarism and college : Students’ questions answered

About the author

Hi there. I am the prolific professor with 15 years of experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. Thanks for visiting.

FAQs : A college student’s guide for everything plagiarism

You find out that your professor is using a tool to check for plagiarism, and you start to panic.

Maybe you have plagiarized before.

Or you are worried that something will turn up as plagiarism, but you didn’t intend to plagiarize.

Now you’re paranoid.

And you’re looking for some answers.

I am going to explain how plagiarism checkers works, how professors use it, and what to expect.

I’ll give you some tips to help you avoid some of these common mistakes that students make that catch their professor’s attention and get them in trouble for plagiarism.

Then I will tell you how you can check your own paper for plagiarism.

As a professor, I have plenty of experience and knowledge about plagiarism.

What is plagiarism?

There are different types of plagiarism so it’s important to know how each type is defined.

Some students are surprised to learn that more than one type of plagiarism exists.

I see lots of students who plagiarize unknowingly so I am here to help explain plagiarism and how to avoid committing plagiarism.

Types of plagiarism

A student might use the entire contents of a paper and submit it as their own .

Pretend your friend took the same class last term, and the assignment didn’t change. You put your name on it and submit it as your own.

That’s plagiarism.

Or you take portions of writing from someone’s paper or online work without giving proper credit.

That is the type of plagiarism I see most often.

Other types of plagiarism could be you changing a few words here and there, trying to avoid detection.

But you can paraphrase and give proper credit to the author without committing plagiarism.

What happens if I plagiarize in college?

If you plagiarize, you could receive a failing grade, get a zero on the assignment, have a permanent mark on your transcript or get suspended or expelled from college. The penalties vary based on the institution, your professor’s policies and your previous infractions.

Universities will usually define plagiarism as a form of academic or scholastic dishonesty.

You should check your college’s student code of conduct or handbook to understand more about their definitions.

Most are elaborate to cover every type of plagiarism so that they can enforce their policies.

If you commit academic dishonesty, the college will likely have a process to find you responsible.

Now, if you are at a private university, then you may not have the same due process that students have at a public university.

Otherwise, when a professor suspects plagiarism, they turn it in to the appropriate office and wait on assigning a grade or giving a penalty to the student.

They give all the evidence to the investigating office.

The office reviews it, speaks with the student, and has a hearing, if applicable.

They make a decision and determine the appropriate penalty.

Usually, the professor will get to decide how the assignment is treated in their class, but the college may have additional penalties or requirements for the student beyond a grade.

Like an academic integrity seminar that the student must attend.

Usually you can appeal the decision , but not always.

That’s roughly how the process goes for most college students.

It’s best to avoid this so that you don’t have any permanent marks on your academic records.

Do professors always check for plagiarism?

No, not all professors will physically check a college student’s work for plagiarism, but it is very likely that a professor can tell if a student has plagiarized by their experience and using the student’s previous work for comparison.

A professor may be able to immediately detect plagiarism if they are very familiar with the work a student plagiarized from.

Or the professor may use a technological tool to search a paper for plagiarism.

Most colleges will pay for a license to use a website or tool that can detect plagiarism.

And most learning management programs (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, etc) may have these external tools available within the online classroom.

So even though you don’t have to submit your assignments directly to the plagiarism checker, just know it could be submitted through your online classroom when you upload it.

How does my professor check for plagiarism?

Most experienced professors can detect plagiarism when they read a student’s paper.

I have detected plagiarism without using any programs to do so.

I just have so much experience grading students’ papers, that I know what typical writing looks like for college students.

Plagiarized work stands out.

An example that might alert a professor that it’s plagiarized work is if a student has specific spellings of words that are not from the country the university is in like “color” v “colour” and the student hasn’t used the same spelling throughout the entire paper.

It might not always mean plagiarism though because the student might be from that country and use that spelling, however, if the paper contains various spellings of that same word, it might signal to the professor that’s it’s plagiarized.

So most of the time, it’s totally obvious.

Now how the professor proves it, that’s more tricky.

They need to have evidence to support their claim.

So, if I am reviewing work, and I just have an idea it is plagiarized, I could take a sentence or two and Google that phrase .

If results are populated, I review the article and I usually find more matches within that article.

But my work isn’t always that easy.

So instead of making things more complicated, most professors will use programs to help them detect plagiarism .

Like Turnitin.com or something similar.

Students typically upload their own assignments into a learning management system through their college, and it can run the paper through this external tool immediately.

The tool gives professors a similarity score (percentage) and then includes an originality report .

It shows all the matches.

PRO TIP : If you see your own similarity score, understand that it could be matching your bibliography and direct quotes too. Just understand that a professor can see individual percentages for matching sources and adjust the similarity score accordingly. So don’t fret about that.

Will plagiarism checkers know if I use my friend’s old essay?

Yes, if the paper was previously submitted to a plagiarism checker for review before and uploaded into a student repository, it will show a match. Or it might match for other outside sources because the original author heavily plagiarized themselves or got content from online.

I would NOT use a paper from another student, despite how tempting it can be.

I have had students use friend’s old assignments, and I get a perfect match.

As a professor, I can request more information from the professor who originally had their work submitted to Turnitin.com.

It usually doesn’t work out in the student’s favor.

How do professors know you plagiarized?

Professors often know students plagiarized just by reading their paper, but they need to provide some objective evidence to support their suspicions. The professor will likely use some type of artificial intelligence to find matches to other sources. They then cross reference the matched sources to your content to find plagiarism.

However, it isn’t all that straightforward. Sometimes students can change around just enough words, find synonyms, or use obscure sources to avoid detection.

But I usually caution students with this approach.

Because it will likely catch up to you.

I have had students who did this, and I thought this student’s paper was stellar. But when the same student did in-class written work, it just didn’t match his written content he submitted for assignments.

I started to scratch my head and wonder how this student can turn in such professional work but write this terribly in class.

And this prompted me to go through his written work with a fine-tooth comb.

And viola. I found it! Plagiarized work. The entire paper!

So even if this works for you for awhile, it probably won’t last forever.

Can I use the same paper from another course for a different class?

Yes and No. Some professors will allow students to use a previous research paper and submit it for their class, if it’s over the exact same topic. Or professors will allow a large percentage of the paper to be submitted for their research paper from a previous class, but not always. It may or may not be scholastic dishonesty at your college.

Before you use a paper from a previous class, or a large percentage of that work and copy it for another paper, make sure you ask that professor.

It may be considered scholastic dishonesty based on your school’s definitions.

If you get permission, I recommend written permission , keep it handy in case they forget and accuse you of plagiarizing.

Because if your paper was previously uploaded to Turnitin.com, and submitted to the student repository, it will come back as a match.

And it will look like you plagiarized.

And even if it can be proven that it was your original work, your professor or college may agree that it was a form of scholastic dishonesty, and you could get in trouble.

So check with your professor and check your college’s definition of scholastic dishonesty to make sure it’s not included.

Will my professor be able to detect plagiarism in hard copy or written work?

Yes. Sometimes professors can detect plagiarism because of their experience reviewing college students’ work and knowing the literature from their discipline. Professors can also upload the work into databases to review for plagiarism by using Optical Character Recognition software.

For this type of work, it is possible that a professor could re-type the entire paper and scan for matches themselves.

Or they could use an optical character recognition (OCR) tool to scan the image and convert it to machine-readable text.

So while unlikely, it is possible.

How can a student check for plagiarism ?

Well, this depends on your college.

Some colleges will allow students, through their institution, to login to Turnitin.com and check their similarity score and originality report themselves.

While others may not.

Check with your professor to learn about your options to see if something is provided or recommended.

Otherwise, there are some online tools that can check a student’s paper for plagiarism, but they may be limited.

For example, it won’t be able to scan a student repository for plagiarism like Turnitin.com can.

Here are my suggestions though.

And remember, if you are checking your own paper for plagiarism, you should be cautious about the tool you select.

You don’t want it to keep your paper in their repository for future matching because it would match yours later.

What Turnitin.com similarity score is bad?

I almost always tell my students that any similarity score over 30% starts to make me concerned. And I always review that originality report further to look for plagiarism more carefully. But all similarity scores aren’t the same.

It doesn’t mean that plagiarism occurred in a paper with a 30% or higher similarity score, and it doesn’t mean plagiarism didn’t occur in a paper with less than 30% either, it’s just always been a good measurement for me to review further

How to avoid plagiarism

You want to make sure that you thoroughly paraphrase the information yourself and give them credit too.

I typically recommend that students read the article or book, put it aside, and then try to summarize it, in their own words, so plagiarism is less likely to occur.

When you are writing and have an open book next to your computer, it makes it harder to write that information in your own words.

It’s too tempting and easy to overlook plagiarism so ditch the books and sources after you read them, and start typing only when they’re out of sight .

Also, if you submit your own work to different professors, it might be defined as plagiarism, depending on your institution.

I would always suggest that you write an entirely new paper for each class, regardless of how similar it was to a previous paper.

Oftentimes I find students plagiarizing because they simply forgot to cite sources or use quotation marks appropriately.

It is important to remember that there are rules for citations, and you should check with your professor on which type of style they want you to follow. See the most commons citation styles below.

Chicago style

And follow all those citation requirements.

Most of that information is online now and you can find out how to cite in-text and bibliography sources.

PRO TIP : Even if you paraphrase, you must cite your source in-text. There’s something called in-text citations that are important to learn for college.

Final Thoughts

Plagiarism can be a scary topic for students.

You have some students who are so concerned with plagiarizing, and are worried they’ll accidentally do this, that they fret the entire time they are writing their paper.

Other times, you have students who want to try and beat the system and find ways to avoid detection.

But after reading my article, you’ll realize that with advancing technology, it’s getting harder and harder to avoid detection.

And to be honest, you are really harming your education by creating a short-cut.

Instead, avoid plagiarism, learn the information, and do the work.

You’d be surprised how much more you’ll learn, and how many skills you’ll acquire by putting in the effort.

What happens if I get caught plagiarizing twice?

This completely depends on your college, but the first attempt is usually dealt with informally, but the second attempt has more consequences. You might have a permanent mark on your transcript, fail a class, or get kicked out of the college. But the college has a lot of discretion and none of that may happen.

I got caught plagiarizing, what should I do?

If you get caught plagiarizing, I would recommend that you be honest and talk to your professor immediately. It is possible that you could handle it informally without an official report to your college. And learn exactly how to avoid doing it in the future.

What happens if I get caught plagiarizing?

This depends on your professor’s policy. They should outline what the consequences could be for a student who is caught plagiarizing. And if they report it to your college, you will have additional consequences. Most colleges will have more lenient consequences for the first offense like completing a seminar about plagiarizing. But your professor could give you a zero for the assignment, or even fail you.

What to say when you get caught plagiarizing?

It could benefit you to be honest about your plagiarism and explain why it happened. Did you do it because you procrastinated and had to rush to complete the assignment? Or did you do it because you were lazy and didn’t want to do the work? Whatever the reason, own up to it. And then I would complete some type of outside seminar or tutorial on understanding plagiarism so that you could prove that you are changing your ways.

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