<p>Those assurances notwithstanding, I submit that the chances description and other activity may be so stark that it’s impossible for an admission officer not to make the connection when the file is read or discussed in committee. And, as I said before, the connection won’t operate in favor of an applicant but it could operate against the applicant’s chances.</p>
<p>More significantly, and those assurances still notwithstanding, posters who throw down chances threads are leaving it up to the discretion of admission officers as to whether they want their true-life identities and College Confidential histories laid bare. Also bear in mind that admission officers are not the only people who can pick up on specifics in chances threads and make the connection between College Confidential accounts to real-life people.</p>
<p>Whether Oberlin actually checks behind applicants who post chances doesn’t change the fact that posting that kind of information is reckless and risky on-line behavior. I believe this is the main reason why “chances” threads are absurd – even for students who approach it purely for entertainment purposes, much like a tarot card reading.</p>