Lying on College Application?

Question

I have never been one to lie, yet when it comes to getting into college, would it be really bad if you lie about what extra-curricular activities you do, or clubs, sports, etc. I have good grades, but don't do sports and not much leadership positions. And I don't know what I'd do if i didn't get into college?

I just wanted to add, I would never put something on my application that I never did at all, I was just wondering if stretching the truth a little is okay.

Answer 1

Your conscience must speak to you. No one can dictate your actions. As a young adult, you now must assume this responsibility. Still, let me say that sometimes the right choices aren't always easiest.

In my opinion, sacrificing your integrity for plausible entrance into an university or for any reason at all is wrong. There is no middle ground.

My heart goes out to you. I do not know the particulars of your situation: financial need, scholarship receipts, university you plan to attend, or anything in general except what is posted here. Therefore, I can only ask you one question: why did you pose this question if it did not bother your conscience.

I don't know what your journey will bring. Yes, some universities treat education like a sport and less like a real endeavor. It is not too late to get involved into community activities to bolster your confidence, marketability, resume, and desire to help others in a capacity. You can do it for all of the above reasons. That will not make you a bad person.

If you don't get your first choice of college and you feel it's due to a lack of extracurricular activities that demonstrate you are a "well- rounded" person, don't lose heart. Every misfortune is not a curse. Trust me. Moreover, has anything even happened yet? Never do anything based on speculation or fear.

And no matter what, don't lie. First, most colleges that care enough to contain that on their application will cross-reference this. Second, lying is wrong. Seems simple and elementary but it's true. You can't fake skills you've never possessed. Oh, you can try. And there are some pretty convincing con artists out there.

At the end of the day though, a person with integrity goes much furhter and is better equipped to deal with life's challenges. If you lie your way in or out of every situation, especially at will, you will have a meltdown at some point.

Do the right thing. You have nor reason to be ashamed just because you did not have time or were not able to devote said time to extra-curricular activities. That does not make you a bad person. If it bothers you that greatly, consider getting involved in a once a week, once a month, a few times a week activity (whatever best suits your needs and schedule): reading to children at local library, tutoring, serving at a soup kitchen, adopting a grandparent, etc...

Never too late to do something worthwhile or form new friendships.

I pray that you will seek God's guidance and His will. God bless. Best wishes.

Answer 2

Thanks for asking.

I suggest that you be as truthful as possible.

If you are honest, you won't run the risk of consequences. I don't know what college(s) you're applying to, but, if policies on plagiarism are anything to go by, they may have pretty strict rules regarding truthfulness on the applications.

It would be better to be rejected for telling the truth than to be accepted for a lie, in my opinion.

Furthermore, the college(s) may be able to tell if you are lying. If you put down a prestigious activity that you weren't a part of, and they investigate, you may be rejected for your dishonesty.

Write brilliant admissions essays, join what things you can, keep up your grades, and generally do your best. Appeal if you are rejected, if you need to. No college should expect more from you than your best. Be confident that what you have been blessed to achieve will be sufficient for what you are attempting to accomplish. Don't worry about it. : )

May God bless you.

Answer 3

Yes, it would be bad. If you are found out, you could have your acceptance revoked. The fact is that no school cares about a long list of activities; it is what you actually did in those activities that matters. If you say you were a leader, but your references don't back that up, it could become obvious that you made it up and this could really hurt you.

Answer 4

Yep, that would be bad. Many of them actually do check on those things, and they check your references. They're looking for: are you self-motivated? can you keep up with the rigors of college life? are you going to be a good addition to their institution? They can tell this from your grades and from the things that you actually were involved in, and from your test scores and references. Don't lie on your college app - definitely not worth it!

Answer 5

I would not lie. Highlight anything you have done outside of school. Did you work? Showing you have/had a job and worked part time does say a lot! Write a good essay and sound very motivated, have even current teachers look over it for you. Even include your future plans or intentions.

Answer 6

Extra-curricular activities are a bit fuzzy anyway. For instance, I never actually paid my dues for French Club, or Latin club my senior year, but I listed both on applications... just don't lie about anything big...or provable. They likely won't do too much checking.
But of course, LYING is BAD, and we would never suggest that you lie! ;) ;)

Answer 7

do not lie on your college application! if you didn't participate in many activities, that's ok. colleges aren't always looking for someone who was involved in the most activities, but someone who was a constant participant in a few activities. just highlight the activities you participated in and if you feel the need to, explain why you didn't participate in tons of activities.

Answer 8

you can stretch the hour participation a little. and like, say, show up to drama club once and say "i'm in drama club." but no big lies because if they find you out, you could lose everything they gave you and have a bad reputation.

Answer 9

Lie lie and lie some more. tell them your the captain of the chess team, and that you were in the Choir, etc... it doesnt matter. make yourself look good! (everyone else on here is telling you don't lie. but listen to the good ol' Rev. here and LIE LIE LIE!!!!) just don't get caught. he he he (oh and god will understand. i'll let him know, i told you it was ok to lie this one time.)