<p>Is there something like a national database that'll allow them to do that? The reason I'm asking is because I briefly attended a college after high school and flunked out. I pretty much didn't even attend classes and didn't care about education.</p>
<p>Now it's years later and I want to finish my education, I got more mature. I've been attending a community college and have been doing very well. I plan to transfer to a better school but I don't want the previous college experience to haunt me (not only in the admission process, but also it'll affect my overall college GPA, which will hurt me for grad school later on too).</p>
<p>So I plan to not even mention it in my application. But I wonder if the college I apply to and find out anyway? I talked to a friend who used to be an admissions officer and she said they won't actively search for my history, nor is there a way for them to do so, but it'll be unethical for me to leave it out...</p>
<p>And yes, it would be unethical for you to leave it out as when you sign your application there is generally a statement saying you have or will submit transcripts from all colleges attended.</p>
<p>And yes, colleges typically check the database and request transcripts from enrollments you left out intentionally or accidentally.</p>
<p>Yes they check. I’m in the exact same situation as you, but it’s better off that you are upfront with them. When you are writing the essays for the universities you wish to attend, it’s something that you can mention, but also tell them what you learned and how you have changed and made yourself better from it. It’s a selling point that you can make to help differentiate yourself from other applicants.</p>