I have a classmate/acquaintance who is applying EA to Harvard. 35 ACT, but generally manipulative in everything she does. Adderall abuse everywhere, cheats a lot to get the grade, etc. She recently admitted to fabricating a large portion of her apps about organizing a walk for disabled children that she didn’t do at all. In fact, the walk didn’t exist at all. She laughed it off, saying she’ll go to hell after she goes to Harvard. I feel like I should write a letter to Harvard telling them. What do you think?
How is this your business? Take care of your own life.
She probably won’t get in. If she does, you could consider notifying admissions.
fabricating aspects of your resume cheats someone out of a seat that they earn. Several kids at my school are applying to this school and she could reasonably get in over them because of this lie and her beefed up ECs
I think (a) you should trust that Harvard will do its due diligence (assuming that applicant even makes it past initial screening) and will discover that said event did not occur and (b) you should do nothing.
No, you should not write a letter to Harvard. They know how to use google to learn more about the disabled child walk.
I say that if she gets admitted to Harvard, notify them about her lies. I doubt that Harvard would want to admit a cheater and a liar to the university.
Tell your GC, who might subtly tell her not to fudge. Plus, it’s likely that the rec letters will have gaping holes of silence from the teachers which will sink her chances. Faculty know people like this.
This happens a lot. You can send your complaint to the Office of Counter-admissions which is a secret department in the basement of the admissions office. They have a laundry shoot where they put the files of discredited applicants so that they can be filed appropriately.
lmao @ClassicRockerDad
Honestly, the best option is to mind your own business. With the exception of the disabled walk, you really can’t prove she cheated, there is no concrete evidence. Harvard will no doubt look into the walk.
Just as you could write a letter regarding what the applicant told you im sure these schools get plenty of bogus letters accusing innocent applicants of all kinds of things. And you honestly have no idea whether your fellow student is just saying this to get a rise out of you. I think admissions can figure out which applicants to accept. Maybe a few bad apples get through the cracks but the same will happen in the business world so thats just part of life. So is life fair? No. But eventually these type of people implode on their own.
Honestly it’s absolutely none of your business what happens. Is it fair? No. But does it affect you? Absolutely not.
Idk what Harvard does but I know the UC’s select ~1000 applicants every year to confirm one or two of their activities or awards. If you’re lucky she’ll get caught. If not, you’re just going to have to live with it. I doubt a letter from a completely unconfirmed source could do much anyway. So let it be and move on with your own life.
I know this is sort of late, but while I would not report to the college, I do think you are obligated to tell your school officials. Every student who applies to Harvard is being compared to her and if she lied, that is very unfair to everyone else.
What did you decide?
MYOB. It will catch her, and if she does get into Harvard on lies, she’ll be caught worse than if she just doesn’t get in.
FWIW, it’s REALLY REALLY easy to double check on involvement with charities, especially if they are supposed to be big deal events. I interviewed a student who started a charity, and based on the website, her involvement was minimal at best. Easy enough for an adcom to check on it.
DUDE, please report her! From what you wrote, that girl sounds annoying; I don’t see a problem in eliminating some competition 
Yes, ideally she should mind her own business. But I see no harm in letting the guidance counselor know. She is doing the rest of the kids a favor. People like she describes disgust me. They ruin things for the honest kids. Staying silent when you know the truth is almost the same as being complicit in the duplicity. Liars have got to learn…cheaters eventually get burned.
^ I agree wholeheartedly. I think this whole remain quiet idea must be perpetuated by those who are willing to be less than honest because who else would benefit? Certainly not the students who remain silent as their peers out-compete them by lying.
I understand that students really need to focus on themselves right now, but not only is it in your best interest, it is also plain and simple the right thing to do.
I recently had a similar issue with a stand partner who showed me the arts supplement she planned to submit that was totally fake.She was not applying to my top choice ( at least not until RD) but I knew several other people who were applying early to her top choice. I was actually advised on this site not to say anything and even scorned a little bit for even asking.
I chose to show the recording she shared on FB with her teacher. It turns out it was his playing that she had recorded over her image. Imagine being edged out by a conservatory level performance that was entirely fraudulent. Her teacher told our orchestra director who was one of her extra recs. It never pays to be dishonest unless honest people choose not to speak up.
I agree that the girl should be reported to the guidance counselor. This is a case of “who doesn’t speak up, consents”…
@yorkie97 : what did you decide?
Yeah, I would hesitate to contact Harvard directly, but you should definitely notify your guidance counselor.
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
-Elie Wiesel