<p>I have already written the academic awards etc. on the common application</p>
<p>However, my question is, do I need to send those supporting materials such as the certificates of awards to the admission office? </p>
<p>If not, then people can cheat? they can just make something up as they do not need to send the supporting materials right? So how does it work?</p>
<p>No. I’m pretty sure the admission committee will ignore those. Putting down your ECs on common app is enough.</p>
<p>okay, thanks!</p>
<p>wait, I got another question.
I’ve been donating money and books to charity and my dad insists that I should send the receipts and letter of thanks to the universities as to prove that I am caring and social-minded. Do you think it is a good idea? I think it is like trying too hard.</p>
<p>I would not send them. You can write about this in an essay if it’s important to you.</p>
<p>I would not send them either. Colleges have to deal with quite enough paperwork already during the admission season and unrequested documents in your file will only annoy the poor person reading your application. On the other hand, donating money/things or performing unpaid community service is expected in the US. Submitting receipts is a bit like submitting proof that you watch your younger siblings occasionally or brush your teeth twice a day.</p>
<p>thank you guys.
I thought about mentioning it in that short essay on common app. but the word limit (150 words!) is too tight!</p>
<p>Thanks for answering the original question. Even i was wondering the same thing.
But i still have doubt. Anybody can cheat their way thru it. What if somebody says he has done 500 hrs of community service, but has done nothing at all, or that he is an accompalished soccer player when he is not(whatz the proof?)</p>
<p>If the college has reason to suspect you may be lying, they may investigate. They would most likely begin by talking to your high school. They might even spot check some applications. But they aren’t going to assume that you are lying.</p>
<p>Rule of thumb: If you can claim any achievements that would be significant enough to affect your admission outcome, they will probably show up on other places in your application as well - most notably your letters of recommendations. If you claim to be super engaged in community service but your letters of recommendation don’t mention any such involvement or even a concern for the well-being of others, it sets of a red flag. In such an event a college might ask for some sort of verification.</p>