What should I do?
I am currently so upset. Please can someone help?
So, I achieved A*A*B in my A-levels and am retaking my exam in the subject I got a B in and I wanted to reapply to Oxbridge. But my old school wouldn’t give me predicted grades and I had no one to give me them so I thought of faking a reference. I didn’t do that in the end as I was worried I’d get caught but now have missed the Oxbridge deadline and am so upset because it turns out UCAS don’t verify references and neither do Oxbridge so I could have got away with it.
I know you’ll say that you shouldn’t lie but it’s the fact that I was desperate and I could’ve got away with this that it’s really bothering me. What should I do? In the reference, I would have explained why I underperformed.
I feel like being honest has not worked out well for me and instead if I wasn’t honest, I’d have been better off.
So, I achieved A*A*B in my A-levels and am retaking my exam in the subject I got a B in and I wanted to reapply to Oxbridge. But my old school wouldn’t give me predicted grades and I had no one to give me them so I thought of faking a reference. I didn’t do that in the end as I was worried I’d get caught but now have missed the Oxbridge deadline and am so upset because it turns out UCAS don’t verify references and neither do Oxbridge so I could have got away with it.
I know you’ll say that you shouldn’t lie but it’s the fact that I was desperate and I could’ve got away with this that it’s really bothering me. What should I do? In the reference, I would have explained why I underperformed.
I feel like being honest has not worked out well for me and instead if I wasn’t honest, I’d have been better off.
(edited 1 month ago)
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I’m really sorry to hear you’re feeling this way—it’s a tough situation, and your frustration is completely understandable. It’s clear you care deeply about your education and opportunities, which is commendable.
While it’s frustrating to think that dishonesty might have worked, it’s important to remember that your integrity is worth so much more in the long run. Universities, especially Oxbridge, value not just academic excellence but also character, and you’ve shown yours by choosing honesty over shortcuts.
Now, let’s focus on what you can do. Although you’ve missed the Oxbridge deadline, there are other top universities that value A-level resit students. Many have January deadlines, and some even offer flexibility for later applications. Alternatively, you could consider taking a gap year to strengthen your application for next year’s Oxbridge cycle.
It’s also worth reaching out to your old school again or finding a tutor or employer who might be willing to write a reference for future applications. You could explain your situation—they might be more understanding than you think.
Keep your chin up. The effort and honesty you’re showing now will pave the way for great things ahead. You’ve already achieved amazing grades and have a bright future waiting for you!
While it’s frustrating to think that dishonesty might have worked, it’s important to remember that your integrity is worth so much more in the long run. Universities, especially Oxbridge, value not just academic excellence but also character, and you’ve shown yours by choosing honesty over shortcuts.
Now, let’s focus on what you can do. Although you’ve missed the Oxbridge deadline, there are other top universities that value A-level resit students. Many have January deadlines, and some even offer flexibility for later applications. Alternatively, you could consider taking a gap year to strengthen your application for next year’s Oxbridge cycle.
It’s also worth reaching out to your old school again or finding a tutor or employer who might be willing to write a reference for future applications. You could explain your situation—they might be more understanding than you think.
Keep your chin up. The effort and honesty you’re showing now will pave the way for great things ahead. You’ve already achieved amazing grades and have a bright future waiting for you!
Being upset because you did not take an opportunity to commit a fraud suggests that you need to adjust your ethical compass. Perhaps speak to a counsellor and try to understand that lying your way through life is a bad idea.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Being upset because you did not take an opportunity to commit a fraud suggests that you need to adjust your ethical compass. Perhaps speak to a counsellor and try to understand that lying your way through life is a bad idea.
When lying would give you an advantage, why not take it when the alternative as I have found is to miss out?
Because fraud is unethical. It is no accident that every society has rules forbidding dishonesty. Trust is essential to civilisation.
In any event, you would probably be found out. Your inability to keep up with the academic pace required would become evident.
In any event, you would probably be found out. Your inability to keep up with the academic pace required would become evident.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Because fraud is unethical. It is no accident thst every society has rules forbidding dishonesty. Trust is essential to civilisation.
In any event, you would probably be found out. Your inability to keep up with the academic pace required would become evident.
In any event, you would probably be found out. Your inability to keep up with the academic pace required would become evident.
“Inability”? I literally achieved A*A*B and only got the B instead of a third A* because I was hospitalised. I also achieved all 8s and 9s in my GCSEs.
Would you feel comfortable being treated by a doctor who had faked their reference letters to secure a hospital job, particularly when their previous employer (like your school) refused to provide one? While this is a different situation, the principle remains the same.
Honesty is an important quality in life. There are other options available to you:
Faking documents to achieve a goal is never a good idea. Universities like Oxford have strict policies on academic integrity; for instance, cheating on exams leads to expulsion without the chance to resit.
The concern about academic pressure is valid and should not be taken lightly. A-levels and GCSEs are far easier than a university degree. Many students find the gap between A-levels and the first year of university to be significant.
At Oxbridge, the academic challenges can be even greater due to:
This environment fosters a culture of striving for academic excellence but can also create immense pressure.
Honesty is an important quality in life. There are other options available to you:
•
You can reapply next year.
•
You can pursue a second undergraduate degree at Oxford.
•
You can consider a master’s or PhD at Oxford.
•
With your current grades, you could apply to Oxbridge and potentially receive a lower offer than the standard requirements if your application is outstanding.
Faking documents to achieve a goal is never a good idea. Universities like Oxford have strict policies on academic integrity; for instance, cheating on exams leads to expulsion without the chance to resit.
The concern about academic pressure is valid and should not be taken lightly. A-levels and GCSEs are far easier than a university degree. Many students find the gap between A-levels and the first year of university to be significant.
At Oxbridge, the academic challenges can be even greater due to:
•
Shorter terms, which condense a lot of work into a short timeframe.
•
The tutorial system, which some students find highly demanding.
•
Increased competition, as you’ll be surrounded by peers who were also top of their class in school.
Original post by BelindaFlamazing
Would you feel comfortable being treated by a doctor who had faked their reference letters to secure a hospital job, particularly when their previous employer (like your school) refused to provide one? While this is a different situation, the principle remains the same.
Honesty is an important quality in life. There are other options available to you:
Faking documents to achieve a goal is never a good idea. Universities like Oxford have strict policies on academic integrity; for instance, cheating on exams leads to expulsion without the chance to resit.
The concern about academic pressure is valid and should not be taken lightly. A-levels and GCSEs are far easier than a university degree. Many students find the gap between A-levels and the first year of university to be significant.
At Oxbridge, the academic challenges can be even greater due to:
This environment fosters a culture of striving for academic excellence but can also create immense pressure.
Honesty is an important quality in life. There are other options available to you:
•
You can reapply next year.
•
You can pursue a second undergraduate degree at Oxford.
•
You can consider a master’s or PhD at Oxford.
•
With your current grades, you could apply to Oxbridge and potentially receive a lower offer than the standard requirements if your application is outstanding.
Faking documents to achieve a goal is never a good idea. Universities like Oxford have strict policies on academic integrity; for instance, cheating on exams leads to expulsion without the chance to resit.
The concern about academic pressure is valid and should not be taken lightly. A-levels and GCSEs are far easier than a university degree. Many students find the gap between A-levels and the first year of university to be significant.
At Oxbridge, the academic challenges can be even greater due to:
•
Shorter terms, which condense a lot of work into a short timeframe.
•
The tutorial system, which some students find highly demanding.
•
Increased competition, as you’ll be surrounded by peers who were also top of their class in school.
I’m already on a gap year; if I take another I’ll be two years behind.
How can I apply to Oxbridge currently when I literally said that the deadline has passed?
Original post by m_040106
I’m already on a gap year; if I take another I’ll be two years behind.
How can I apply to Oxbridge currently when I literally said that the deadline has passed?
How can I apply to Oxbridge currently when I literally said that the deadline has passed?
I didn't say apply this year. I said you can apply with your current grades without resitting (next year). If you are a strong candidate you will be considered. I know people have recieved lower than standard offers, myself included.
What can I say? Good luck with your applications.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by BelindaFlamazing
I didn't say apply this year. I said you can apply with your current grades without resitting (next year). If you are a strong candidate you will be considered. I know people have recieved lower than standard offers, myself included.
What can I say? Good luck with your applications.
What can I say? Good luck with your applications.
Are you at oxbridge?
Original post by m_040106
“Inability”? I literally achieved A*A*B and only got the B instead of a third A* because I was hospitalised. I also achieved all 8s and 9s in my GCSEs.
You didn't obtain the grades you need to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, and now are whining that you didn't try to lie your way in. I gather from one of your other threads that you may consider yourself to be "naturally smart", but the evidence is against you. Some people get away with criminal conduct, but most of those who attempt to obtain advantages by fraud get found out.
Original post by BelindaFlamazing
I didn't say apply this year. I said you can apply with your current grades without resitting (next year). If you are a strong candidate you will be considered. I know people have recieved lower than standard offers, myself included.
What can I say? Good luck with your applications.
What can I say? Good luck with your applications.
Why are you encouraging this dishonest person to apply to a university which values academic ethics?
(edited 1 month ago)
I work in admissions. There is no chance whatsoever that you would have gotten away with this type of appication fraud, and you more than likely would have been removed from the entire application cycle.
Be thankful you're not having to expain another unexpected 'gap year' to your friends and family.
In all honesty you should have just applied without a prediction for the retake, which is what thousands of candidates do.
Be thankful you're not having to expain another unexpected 'gap year' to your friends and family.
In all honesty you should have just applied without a prediction for the retake, which is what thousands of candidates do.
I add that in two threads posted three months ago the OP stated that he or she had obtained BBB at A level. No mention of being hospitalised. Mention of a late diagnosis of autism.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7517327
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510841
In another thread posted a week ago, the OP claims to have obtained three A* and to have taken a gap year through choice, not because he or she did not get into university.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7545817
It appears that the OP invents his or her narrative as he or she goes along.
The OP's elastic relationship with the truth is of particular interest given that the OP apparently wishes to study law and might perhaps wish to practise as a lawyer. Contrary to popular opinion, dishonesty is not a recommended quality for a lawyer.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7517327
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7510841
In another thread posted a week ago, the OP claims to have obtained three A* and to have taken a gap year through choice, not because he or she did not get into university.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7545817
It appears that the OP invents his or her narrative as he or she goes along.
The OP's elastic relationship with the truth is of particular interest given that the OP apparently wishes to study law and might perhaps wish to practise as a lawyer. Contrary to popular opinion, dishonesty is not a recommended quality for a lawyer.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Admit-One
I work in admissions. There is no chance whatsoever that you would have gotten away with this type of appication fraud, and you more than likely would have been removed from the entire application cycle.
Be thankful you're not having to expain another unexpected 'gap year' to your friends and family.
In all honesty you should have just applied without a prediction for the retake, which is what thousands of candidates do.
Be thankful you're not having to expain another unexpected 'gap year' to your friends and family.
In all honesty you should have just applied without a prediction for the retake, which is what thousands of candidates do.
I contacted UCAS and asked them how they consider UCAS references; they said they leave it to the universities to verify/sort out. I asked both Oxford and Cambridge as well as different colleges there and they said that they don’t follow up on them.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Why are you encouraging this dishonest person to apply to a university which values academic ethics?
Honesty gets you nowhere in life as I have discovered. If you can seize an opportunity and get away with it you should as I have come to realise. This is similar to the adage of not being “Mr. Nice guy”.
Original post by m_040106
I contacted UCAS and asked them how they consider UCAS references; they said they leave it to the universities to verify/sort out. I asked both Oxford and Cambridge as well as different colleges there and they said that they don’t follow up on them.
Any verification process is distinct from reading the reference itself. Again, please believe me that a poorly written ref from a webmail address is going to set off every alarm bell going.
More to the point, you don't have the skillset to craft a reference in the style of a middle-aged academic who is ostensibly recommending you but at the same time being quite guarded and suggesting that you're not a terribly exceptional candidate.
Stop fantasising about cheating your way in and address where you are now.
Have you submitted your app or are you leaving it until nearer the deadline?
Original post by Anonymous
Honesty gets you nowhere in life as I have discovered. If you can seize an opportunity and get away with it you should as I have come to realise. This is similar to the adage of not being “Mr. Nice guy”.
Hello OP. How many A levels do you have today? I work in an industry in which the consequences of dishonesty are meaningful. Your jaundiced and cynical view of life might fit you to be elected President of a large country with an eccentric political system, but it's not otherwise likely to be an asset.
Original post by Admit-One
Any verification process is distinct from reading the reference itself. Again, please believe me that a poorly written ref from a webmail address is going to set off every alarm bell going.
More to the point, you don't have the skillset to craft a reference in the style of a middle-aged academic who is ostensibly recommending you but at the same time being quite guarded and suggesting that you're not a terribly exceptional candidate.
Stop fantasising about cheating your way in and address where you are now.
Have you submitted your app or are you leaving it until nearer the deadline?
More to the point, you don't have the skillset to craft a reference in the style of a middle-aged academic who is ostensibly recommending you but at the same time being quite guarded and suggesting that you're not a terribly exceptional candidate.
Stop fantasising about cheating your way in and address where you are now.
Have you submitted your app or are you leaving it until nearer the deadline?
But that’s the point I’m making.
How exactly do you know that I could not write a reference akin to “the style of a middle-aged academic who is ostensibly recommending you but at the same time being quite guarded and suggesting that you're not a terribly exceptional candidate”?
If I had written such a reference no eyebrows would be raised since I had created a detailed reference with a new email address and used one of my other phone’s for the contact details.
I have my old school’s reference from last year as my careers’ teacher gave it to me when I asked. I heavily copied that tone into my “fake reference” with certain changes so I did know what to write.
All I want is an honest answer as to whether I could have theoretically got away with it.
I’m not saying I will cheat my way in now since obviously I can’t as the time has passed.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by m_040106
I contacted UCAS and asked them how they consider UCAS references; they said they leave it to the universities to verify/sort out. I asked both Oxford and Cambridge as well as different colleges there and they said that they don’t follow up on them.
Hey OP, in previous threads you have claimed that you were offered a place at Oxford. You have also claimed to have been refused a place at Cambridge, apparently during the same admission cycle (which is an impossibility, unless you were applying for an organ scholarship, but you say that you were applying to study law). In one thread posted just after the A level results were published you claimed that you had "good grades". In others you claim that you obtained BBB.
Your career as a liar will not go well if you can't choose one lie and stick to it consistently.
PS: You say "All I want is an honest answer as to whether I could have theoretically got away with it."
(emphasis supplied)
Irony not your thing, I gather.
(edited 1 month ago)
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