Imagine studying for hours, sacrificing your sleep and devoting your time to one test; all only to discover that someone who cheated got the same score as you. Students who cheat on tests have an unfair advantage, leaving the rest of the student population negatively affected. Not only is cheating found in high schools, but in college too, which, according to testing service Meazure Learning, ranges from Harvard University to the U.S. Naval Academy. However, the big question is: Is cheating worth the risk?
By cheating successfully on a test (without getting caught), individuals can obtain a better grade and in the class, avoid spending the time and stress studying and preparing and in the long run, gain eligibility to get accepted into more competitive colleges.
However, although this may benefit the student, it is morally incorrect and selfish as cheating can drastically affect your peers, school and future. Meazure Learning found that cheating can cause effects far out of the scope many expected
“When test-takers who cheat on exams are not found out, the effects can spread out into the wider world, beyond the test, class, and college degree. When a test-taker who cheats passes their exam, there can be dire consequences for their employment. They may find themselves hired for a job for which they are unqualified for, which could lead to a variety of unwanted results. Being unqualified could cost them a promotion, an assignment, or even their job,” Meazure Learning wrote.
Cheating can make a significant impact on your future job, which could be devastating and life-changing. Additionally, the same article stated, “Like many forms of dishonesty, cheating can be a slippery slope that may lead to more substantial behaviors in the long run.”
As well, an individual’s cheating can have a substantial effect on their peers. According to the National Library of Medicine, cheating culture has a major significance in academics.
“When students believe there is a culture of cheating, it can affect the way they view their program and their participation in it,” the organization wrote.
Being an honest and hardworking student can be very difficult when you are overshadowed by peers who cheat and still receive good grades. By observing how much easier and less time-consuming cheating is, you could become far less motivated to prepare for your test when cheating results in the same grade or better. But let’s not forget about the leap of faith you take when you cheat. When your plan falls through and you get caught cheating, the repercussions are irreversible, damaging to your reputation, and far more serious than the test itself. This is when you realize cheating was never the right answer.
Although it depends on the school, the consequences could look like failing the class, getting a zero on the test, being written down for “academic dishonesty” (which colleges and higher education institutions can see) and, of course, notifying your parents and school of this occurrence.
Just last December, two juniors in my chemistry class at Redwood got caught cheating on the semester one Chemistry final. I witnessed this process play out as I sat taking the final, seeing two of my classmates working together, with one passing their notecard (that they had previously written answers on before the test) to the other.
Obviously, this was distracting and frustrating while I was taking my high-stress test, and it unfairly took away precious time and focus I could have used on my test. One student put the notecard on his table, and instantly, my Chemistry teacher saw it and questioned him. Clearly, this began to spark questions and comments throughout the classroom, wondering what had just happened and what was going to happen. But keep in mind, students are still taking their final test, and these students were clearly very distracted and anxious as they fought between understanding what just occurred in our classroom, and finishing our final.
As if we didn’t need more interruption and chaos in the classroom, multiple staff members from the administration and our vice principal burst into the room. At this point, the cheating of these two students has created much distraction and an environment where it is almost impossible to focus on the test. This entire event took about 45 minutes, a perfect example of how cheating can disrupt a learning and testing environment, along with the risks that do not outweigh the benefits.
Currently, when we take tests in Chemistry, my teacher will patrol around our classroom and watch each table with an eagle’s eye. You can feel the tension and anxiety in the room, as no one likes to be watched when all they’re trying to do is finish their test.
Due to these two people who decided to cheat one time, the rest of the class is punished and under more stress. Other classes, like U.S History at Redwood, have taken the testing curve away because too many students were cheating as well. Students striving for personal academic success have not only taken opportunities away from their peers, but have also led to a disadvantageous test-taking environment for all.
Although there is high stress in school and parents may push their students to get the best grades, cheating is never the answer. It could be an easy option to get a good grade, but is it a way to jeopardize your future? Yes. Most importantly, you negatively affect your peers, doing what is not morally right, taking away curves, and creating anxiety, distraction and frustration in the learning environment. So, next time you think about cheating on your next test, ask yourself: Do the benefits for yourself outweigh the risks for you and everyone else?
