The article shows that the number of students who are “BUSTED and you’re gone” is more than zero. However, it’s naive to assume that everyone who lies will get caught and kicked out. Lying on college applications is extremely common. Some surveys find the majority of students admit to lying on their college application, yet getting kicked out for lying is extremely uncommon. The few cases I have heard of involve a really extreme lie, such as the Varsity Blues scandal (faked being a recruited athlete, had someone else take SATs for them, …). And even then, the student may not be kicked out such as the TM Landry scandal, in which students applied to colleges with transcripts listing classes they never took and inflated grades, faked ECs/awards, faked backstory/packaging; yet no admitted students were reported being kicked out of their colleges in news stories.
For example, the survey at 6 in 10 College Students Lied on Their Applications - Intelligent found 61% of surveyed students admitted to lying on their college applications – the vast majority of students . The graphs show portion of applications on which that 61% were most likely to lie (ECs and race).
Note that I am not encouraging students to lie on their application. I am instead saying lying/exaggerating is common, and getting kicked out for lying is very uncommon. As ucbalumus touched on, I think this is a reflection of a general problem in society and present in many areas beyond just college admission. The applicant who exaggerates on resume is more likely to get the job, and many do so. The proposal that includes an unrealistically positive timeline and cost is more likely win the bid, and in many industries this is almost expected. The politician who makes unrealistic campaign promises is more likely to get elected. There are numerous potential benefits and notable penalties are often rare unless lies are extreme. Perhaps this will change in future with AI and digital footprint improving low cost vetting.
Among the 61%…
