<p>err I'm sure this topic's been covered in this forum, but I'm new - and can't search the entire forum</p>
<p>Q: - Can we list activities/interests for which we have no certificate/merit recognition in our application???</p>
<p>Yes.
But what’s the point.Then they’d just be hobbies and for top colleges,you’ll need a lot more than that.One is fine,but many hobbies listed wont get you anywhere.</p>
<p>However,if the activity is really important to you,then you may of course list it.But you must be able to show what way you were able to pursue it.It doesn’t have to be a merit certificate,you just need to show how you explored it.Remember,the colleges want ‘passion’,not a laundry list.Which also means,that listing activities just for the sake of it looks like you’re trying to pad up your application or in other words,are creating a laundry list.</p>
<p>Yes, you can.</p>
<p>well even if I list it, will they believe me?? I can always say I opened a railway station in my city, and that trains are my passion - point is, what will they make of it???</p>
<p>They make you sign in the Common Application stating that whatever you have mentioned in your application is true in all aspects to the best of your knowledge. You even give rights to the respective universities to contact with the high school so that they can confirm what you have said. Sometimes they even google the unrecognized awards you have mentioned. Also, if you state something fabricated in your application and the moment you are caught (even while studying in the last year or even after graduation), you will be termed as a “criminal” and will be charged with “used unfair means to enter United States”. Scary huh!!!
But it is seen that many students do fabricate their application. Just consider the following links:</p>
<ol>
<li>Google Marilee Jones, the former dean of admissions at MIT. (her case is different because she surrendered herself)</li>
<li>[Former</a> Harvard Student: Fake](<a href=“http://newsblaze.com/story/20100518092358writ.nb/topstory.html]Former”>http://newsblaze.com/story/20100518092358writ.nb/topstory.html)</li>
<li>google fake applications of top varsities</li>
</ol>
<p>Those guys sitting in the adcoms aren’t idiots whom you will say some fabricated passions and they will acquiesce. You shouldn’t forget that they run some of the best institutes of the world.
But, yeah - if you can make the HONORARY ADCOMS fool, then you are definitely worthy to get there… </p>
<p>you got me???</p>
<p>^agree with every word written.</p>
<p>But please, its better to get accepted with whatever you are (or get rejected honestly) rather than by risking your career through Falseness and develop heart problems for lifetime (thinking every morning “God please don’t get me caught” for the next 50 years like Marilee Jones)…</p>
<p>duh!!! that was long… I am gonna penalize you for making me write so much… lol :)</p>
<p>OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! this is my 200thhhhhhhhhhhhhhh post…
Wait a minute… how is it significant even if it is 100000000… w t f… stop it harish…</p>
<p>^ Were you talking to yourself there? Creepy…</p>
<p>i know its weird… but sometimes i go that way… its just one of the aspects of my personality… WEIRDOOOOOOO!!!</p>
<p>^ Haha, it’s ok. Nearly everyone I know at top schools is extremely pretentious and uptight. So, if you’re able to showcase your nonchalant attitude in a presentable manner, it might actually help you stand out lol. :)</p>
<p>^lol*10000</p>
<p>^lol*100000000</p>
<p>@princeton - (seriously) that was a great advice…</p>
<p>^ Haha, thanks. Just don’t write on your application that you talk to yourself and you’ll be set.</p>
<p>@harisheena-the link you posted, wonder how that kid faked his SAT scores-given that the college board sends them! :)</p>
<p>no idea!!!</p>
<p>you can list it, but lying won’t get you anywhere. it rarely helps applicants. colleges can easily tell if you’re bluffing on your app; they sometimes confirm with your school/affiliated organization. when colleges do find out about your mendacity, they make sure that you’re blacklisted, and then you can kiss goodbye to any chances of studying/working in the U.S.</p>
<p>hence, i’d advise you not to lie, though there can be genuine cases where you did something and didn’t get a merit certificate. Like starting an NGO or even working at an NGO. But trust me, colleges can make out which activity is true, and which is a mere fabrication.</p>