What are the consequences of putting down a false ethnicity on your application?

First and foremost is your own sense of guilt over loss of personal integrity. Even if no one finds out, you know you lied. If you are against unfair ethnic advantage or any other law, you need to use your voice, written word, money and vote to change it, not lie about it for a personal advantage.

Second, if they find it, you can be expelled. Imagine your picture in newspaper next to Aunt Becky.