How will academic misconduct as a first year undergraduate affect graduate studies admission? I am a 1st year undergraduate student and I just put myself in trouble this week by cheating in a midterm exam.

This is my first offence, so I still have a 2nd chance and, trust me, I will learn from this stupid mistake. However, I am very worried as to whether I still stand a chance to be admitted to graduate studies in the future with this permanent notation in my record. 

I plan to apply for the MA in about 5 years, so I still have time to take my redemption and do well in school and get some field experience, but I don't know if they will consider my efforts.

Will they even consider my application?
One offense, if in early years and followed with solid achievements later on, will probably be forgiven. But someone with your exact same qualifications and no black mark would probably have an advantage.