Writing academic papers and conducting research is not every college student's forte. While the process comes naturally to some, others struggle with written assignments or do not take time to pen a proper dissertation or thesis.

Students usually take more than one class during a semester. Many juggle responsibilities outside of college, such as full-time jobs or attending to their families. It's not uncommon to have multiple papers to write at once and not know how to manage time.

The heavy workload leads students to unscrupulous sources that take advantage of their situation by encouraging them to cheat.

Enter essay mills – an ever-increasing problem in academia and recently, a source of trouble for many students.

What Are Essay Mills?

Essay mills are companies that employ ghostwriters to write essays for students. These companies charge students a fee per page, promising high scores, original work, and, most importantly - discretion. One international study claims that as many as 1 in 7 graduates resorted to an essay writing service at some point.

Sleek and enticing, essay mills make thousands of dollars off of students. They aggressively market their services on college campuses and even distribute flyers in areas where students go for spring break.

Since many paper mills operate overseas, they are challenging to stop. They can afford to set low prices that entice students to use their services and provide high-quality work that their clients cannot replicate.

How do Essay Mills Violate Academic Integrity?

Using an essay mill violates codes of academic integrity because it falls under fraud and plagiarism. Students who submit work that isn't theirs face numerous disciplinary measures, such as:

• Receiving a zero on their thesis or essay
• Being referred to an investigative panel
• Failing a course or having to retake it
• Negative reputation among peers and educators
• Expulsion from the University

Essay mills claim that they only use the work they provide as a sample for the student. Moreover, many students assume that the work they are submitting doesn't count as plagiarism because the research is original. Using an essay mill is a form of cheating and goes against the principles of academic integrity.

Why Hire an Academic Misconduct Attorney?

Due to technological improvements in plagiarism-tracking software, more college administrations are catching students submitting work that isn't theirs. In some cases, the essay mills threaten to expose the student to their university as blackmail. Many of these companies have shady practices and get students into significant trouble that impacts their reputation and future.

If you face a disciplinary charge due to using an essay mill, you must approach it with a solid defense strategy. Advisor Joseph D. Lento is by your side during fraud and cheating accusations and increases your chances of receiving a fairer case outcome.

Although a college panel isn't a jury, a professional defense attorney-advisor prevents administrators from taking unnecessarily harsh penalties against you. Advisor Lento has helped students in complex investigations like yours and understands the pressure that you are facing.

Don't let an accusation or mistake ruin your chances of obtaining a degree. Call the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 for an obligation-free and confidential discussion of your case.