You can be caught. Even if you re really a smart, honest student, one black mark usually puts you on the fringes of the academic community. Instances of cheating have popped up all over the country. While we can t worry about how all students are judged, Northeastern students can be assured that, while not an Ivy League institution, NU has students who don t need to stoop to the low level of academic dishonesty. It won t be easy.
Temptation never is for students who are pressured by both peers and teachers.
And in the future, with technology making that temptation even stronger, students will be pushed even harder to take the low road. You could even work off past finals and exams that a teacher passes out year after year. But by taking a shortcut instead of learning the material, you create a snowball effect that will hinder you for many years. The long-term pitfalls are a lack of sufficient knowledge which could plague you for years to come. It s your choice.