Academic integrity?
I feel conflicted when I think about the interactions I’ve had with other pre-meds regarding academic integrity.
One of my classmates was talking about how they studied an old exam from a friend while studying for an upcoming midterm, and when they sat down for the midterm, they ended up only being in the seat for 30 minutes because it was the same exam they had received from their friend.
I am unsure how to feel about this situation, as the professor clearly indicates on the exams that they are given back to students for studying purposes and not for distribution to students outside of that class semester. But some of my classmates say that it’s the professors fault for being lazy and handing similar exams from year to year.
In another instance, a classmate asked someone if they could see their final assignment for a previously taken course. They handed over the final project assignment without question, even though they knew that the professor has stated multiple times to their students that sharing final project assignments, whether graded or ungraded, is prohibited as the paper is supposed to be written individually.
I struggle to come to terms with how I feel. All of these people are incredibly intelligent, hard-working and involved in the community. Of course, they have gotten into medical school. I have no doubt that they will be great doctors.
But compared to students who abided by the rules, they were also working at an advantage. They clearly would have done well regardless of the help they received, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I’m not sure what to think?