<p>There's the obvious kind of cheating, like lying about test scores, grades, activities. Then there's the less obvious kind, like saying you were "sick" for a year which resulted in bad grades, or that you are a URM when really you're maybe 1/16 Native American (this white girl at my school has some Native American ancestry, but she was very privileged, had her own nice car, paid for SAT classes, a writing coach for her essay, AP tutors, and even "tutors" to do her busywork while she simply studied the textbook to do well on the tests.) This is driving me crazy. I work my butt off and I have circumstances too that hinder me from getting more involved in the community than I already am, but with all these liars there seems to be less and less leeway for honest people like me. </p>
<p>Anyway, what do you guys think about the less obvious type of cheating? Do you consider it cheating? Where do you think "exaggeration" crosses the line?</p>
<p>With respect to your friend who is 1/16 Native American – Honestly, I don’t know what percentage of your ancestry needs to be N-A to claim this. However, if your friend meets the definition, then she’s entitled to claim it on her application. I’m going to avoid an essay on whether this is fair or not (I more or less agree with you), but will say that if she meets a definition that others have set, it’s not cheating.</p>
<p>The fact is that some are priveleged and get advantages. That’s the world in which we live. Hopefully, the hard work you have put in will make you better prepared in the long run and able to outcompete many of these people. It can be done.</p>
<p>As to the less obvious kinds of cheating – (saying you were sick for a year when you weren’t). It is wrong. Period.</p>