Students cheat mainly when they believe they cannot do well on their own. Some college students developed a habit of cheating in high school or even elementary or middle school and do not trust their own ability to succeed in classes. Other students simply don’t know the rules. For example, some students incorrectly think that buying a term paper isn’t cheating. Some think that using a test file (a collection of actual tests from previous terms) is fair behavior.

Cultural and college differences may cause some students to cheat. In other countries and at some U.S. colleges, students are encouraged to review past exams as practice exercises. Some student government associations or student social organizations maintain test files for use by students. Some colleges permit sharing answers and information for homework and other assignments with friends. Make sure you know the policy at your college.

Pressures from others—family, peers, and instructors—might cause some students to consider cheating. And there is no doubt that we live in a competitive society. But in truth, grades are nothing if you cheat to earn them. Even if your grades help you get a job, it is what you have actually learned that will help you keep that job and be promoted. If you haven’t learned what you need to know, you won’t be ready to work in your chosen field.

Sometimes lack of preparation will cause students to cheat. Perhaps they tell themselves that they aren’t really dishonest and that cheating just “one time” won’t matter. But if you cheat one time, you’re more likely to do it again.

Although you might see some students who seem to be getting away with cheating, such behaviors can have severe and life-changing results. In some cases, students who have cheated on examinations have been suspended or expelled; graduates have had their college degrees revoked.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of problems with academic honesty: