@NIHHIHH absolutely. Think of the lives of the families of the honest people who did not get that job, did not get in the schools, did not get anything, because it was STOLEN from them. Corruption needs to be nipped as soon as it is spotted. There is no other way. I have zero sympathy for these guys, if they did what is alleged.
Why do you care more about them then the poor kids in next year’s class whose teachers are bribed by the highest bidder? What kind of world do you want to build from this point forward? One in which it pays to cheat and lie, or one that is right?
PS For all you know, this little lesson of being “caught” may keep one of these cheater kids out of a prison sentence for insider trading or whatever somewhere down the road…if you want to think about it pretending we are 20 years from now, think about that.
@redpoodles: Cultural differences certainly abound, however: (a) honesty is rather fundamental, notwithstanding societal heritage and (b) the fact that these universities are American means that OUR cultural mores (also) apply.
@toptier, I’m not talking about honesty or anything like that. I’m referring to the fact that these kids’ applications were on a computer that is accessible by the general school population. People were questioning that, and all I’m saying is that maybe their school infrastructure is not exactly as it would be set up in the US. (Did you actually read the thread??)
The people that suggest the OP ignore concrete proof of academic fraud in applications astonish me. What do those people say about Honor Codes at many of these same schools. MYOB? No way! You have an ethical obligation to report cheating. If you do not, you yourself are acting unethically.
No one WANTS to report cheating, but that is one of the ways to keep the system functioning fairly and honestly.
Reporting students is fine. But this whole revenge exacting thing concerns me. Please be careful your plan doesn’t backfire and you expose yourself in the process.
Agree that you have every right to be angry. And I actually agree also that at least an attempt to correct what is wrong should be done. The truth above all else, right? But it is phrases like these: “…and any way I can screw them more” that diminishes the value of your intentions.
You do need to be careful. Make sure you have your facts right, you have proof, and it is probably best that you report it to a trusted teacher, school superintendent, or someone above your principal (if you think s/he is part of this conspiracy) before going on your own. The anonymous “tip” to their admissions officers might carry more weight doing from one of the teachers…
I don’t know. Who knows how high this corruption goes. I’d just go to the schools or the reporter. And be very polite, you can’t come off as someone with an ax to grind.
My cousin had a similar experience. A friend of his got into Harvard because he said he helped start a park or something in LA (pretty huge lie, don’t know how they didn’t catch that at first) but later they found out and he was kicked out.
@redpoodles: “Why do you care more about them then the poor kids in next year’s class whose teachers are bribed by the highest bidder?”
Why do I get the feeling that those on this thread who are defending cheaters are themselves cheaters or exaggerated on their apps?
To the OP: Be VERY careful.
Personally, I would lay out the information after I’d already started at MIT. Maybe even try to graduate early so that you already have your degree before you send info. It would suck for them to almost reach the finish line before getting kicked out but . . .they deserve it.
I think OP needs to get off his ethical high horse, considering he claims to have come by this information by looking at confidential student records he had no business examining. I have serious doubts about his whole tale, but certainly don’t buy that he accidentally managed to review entire college applications of multiple students and can’t believe so many posters are on board.
Reporting is a right thing. But have you ever questioned, that it may affect the applicants from China next year? This is a big deal! seriously, admissions from top schools will be highly cautious of Chinese applicants, and may, have bad impression of your country’s applicants next year.n
@redpoodles: Yes, I read the thread incrementally and several time. I now understand your point, however, the crux of the thread was repeated instances of flagrant academic/admissions dishonesty. Accordingly, when you said in post #41 *“well, they were in China. It isn’t the same as it is here in the US”/i, I – quite appropriately, I believe – thought you were referring to Chinese ethics. Thus, my post #42.
My advice - let it be! You have been accepted to MIT. Celebrate your accomplishment. Enjoy the end of high school. Move on. You obtained private information and documents from a school computer that you have no right to be on. You opened up private files from your high school GC. You could be in ALOT of trouble for these actions, and potentially lose your own admission to MIT. Maybe you should see a mental health counselor who will get to the root of what you are really angry about. (?Stanford reject). Your whole story seems quite fictional actually!
@dancelance: First and most important, CONGRATULATIONS on you outstanding MIT acceptance. Second, I admire – and I fully agree with – your contempt for this flagrant admissions fraud, as well as your determination to do something about it. GOOD FOR YOU.
Thanks to all of you for the wonderful replies. i agree that I should have toned down, but that was my anger speaking. Thanks to all of you for encouraging me to do the right things.
I don’t want to put myself in trouble, and I am making sure that no one can track me back. @MommaJ: Why would I make up something anonymously on a forum where nobody knows me. I don’t intend to defame those students in public, and really what would I get out of this?
ty again.
Contrary to the belief on CC chance threads, national awards and “research papers” or raising 20k aren’t what get a kid into a top school. And yes, adcoms know about misrepresentation from Chinese (and other) applicants and the level of help they get in constructing their apps. And all sorts of support and uber-assistance in certain US cities, as well.
This already affects the way these apps are reviewed.
I’m generally for doing the right thing. I’m not sure OP knows enough.
“As I said, I won’t let them go.” And perhaps some here are right that you should also be examining your own breach of confidential records. Would you also tell MIT of your own selective ethics?
It’s one thing to climb onto the moral “high horse.” Another thing to stay in the saddle.