College classes can be a challenge – deadlines, papers, exams and more. Also, professors don’t coordinate their due dates, which leaves students with added challenges. Suddenly, a student can end up with several papers all due at the same time. You do some thinking and decide to look up a company that will write you a paper – guaranteed to be original. Can a professor tell if you bought a paper online? Read on for the answer from a lawyer for college students.
Can a professor tell if you bought a paper online?
They short answer is – Yes. Most professors use a plagiarism checker like TurnItIn to identify if a paper has been used before. I know – you bought the paper from a website that guaranteed originality. I have had several students use a service like this only to find out later that it was not original. Let me ask you this, what is your option if you turn it in to your professor and it is flagged for plagiarism? Do you get your money back, and if so, does it even matter at this point? You are in trouble academically and could be facing a suspension or expulsion from school.
I put the paper into an online plagiarism check and it came up with no matches.
Online plagiarism checking tools are not a student’s best resource. Universities use more sophisticated software that these free tools do not use. Even if a free online plagiarism checker did not identify anything, it does not mean it is original.
My paper did not show plagiarism, but my professor still believes I did not write it.
If you have written any papers in the class before, chances are that the professor has learned your written voice. This is how you organize your thoughts, compose sentences, and even make grammatical errors. If suddenly your written voice changes, or your writing dramatically improves, this can lead to a suspicious professor. Even without evidence of plagiarism, they can bring academic charges against you.
Tips from a college student defense lawyer for students accused of buying a paper
Just because you are accused of plagiarism doesn’t mean you did it.
Even if you purchased a paper, you do not have to take the most severe punishment. You have the right to defend yourself against these allegations.
Be careful if offered a “deal” from the professor.
Students are sometimes offered a deal by the professor if they admit to plagiarizing. I have seen these deals turned against the student and the student admission used in a disciplinary hearing. Before accepting any offers from the professor, do your homework. Find out who is allowed to negotiate discipline with a student and if the professor is the final decision-maker.
Know the university’s policy on plagiarism and your rights if you are accused.
Think about all options and take time building your defense.
Can you help all students defend a plagiarism accusation?
Yes. I advise students all over the country facing all types of college issues, including plagiarism. By working together to create the best defense possible, you will have the best chance of being successful. I also attend academic hearings as a legal adviser with students to support them during the academic integrity process. The presence of a lawyer experienced with academic integrity hearings regarding plagiarism is an invaluable asset to the student.
You get only one chance at success. Make it your best.
Richard Asselta is an award-winning lawyer who handles all college issues and offers student defense adviser services throughout the United States. He is experienced in defending all types of college issues including plagiarism. Call Asselta Law today for a free consultation and protect your education. 855-338-5299Click here to read what clients are saying about Richard Asselta on AVVO, a lawyer review website.