How do they check that semifinalists are telling the truth on the extracurriculars?

Paying for College National Merit Aid
1

<p>For the extracurriculars sections I have heard some of the semifinalists talk about stretching the truth a little. For example maybe adding 50 extra hours to their volunteer hours. How does the NMS corporation know that semifinalists are telling the truth? 50 extra hours probably doesn't even help make anyone's applications seem that impressive anyway....</p>

2

<p>Why are you worrying about this? From what I’ve gathered from reading this forum, as long as your PSAT score is good, your SAT score and transcript match your PSAT score, and you have a decent essay, finalist status isn’t a big deal.</p>

3

<p>Well one of my friends is considering this and I was wondering how risky it was. Like I said though, I don’t think 50 extra hours will make a huge impact. And they can’t check everything (for example, if you run your own club how would they know you haven’t spent only 100 hours with it as opposed to 150?)</p>

4

<p>Well, I had originally put varsity basketball in the activities section, but now I don’t think I’ll be playing this year. I’m also curious as to how they keep kids from just making things up.</p>

5

<p>Seriously people…just be honest to best of your ability. You will make finalist on your own merits and without lying 99% of the time. Won’t that feel better to you? If you submitted something already in good faith and it changes later, than no biggie.</p>

6

<p>Ditto to Debbie…whatever happened to honesty? Really. If you can’t even be honest about volunteer hours I sure am not ever hiring you to even flip burgers. Show at least a smidgen of integrity.</p>

7

<p>I am not advocating dishonesty. I’m against it which is why I want to know how NMSC knows that semifinalists are telling the truth on their applications.</p>

8

<p>NMSC likely doesn’t check, but I would never lie on my application - it makes me feel marginalized. Am I so insecure that I need a fa</p>

9

<p>Making sure others don’t cheat is not your worry. You will never be able to control the actions of others. The best you can do is be the best person you can be. And know Karma always kicks in…</p>