Do Med Schools check up on your volunteer work, etc?

[rob14599]

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I was filling out a bunch of secondaries today and I thought to myself, "What would stop a person from just making up a bunch of extra-curricular activities, volunteer experiences, research, leadership positions, community service, etc. on their applications?" I mean, it's not like they ask you for any specific names or contact information regarding these things. Do they actually check this stuff out to make sure it is legit and you are not lying (if they are considering accepting you for an interview). I'm not considering it because I don't want to take that chance, but do you think a person could get away with bullsh*ting on an application? I knew guys in high school who bullsh*ted their way into some pretty respectable colleges like Univ of Michigan by lying on their applications.

 

[WatchingWaiting]

I was filling out a bunch of secondaries today and I thought to myself, "What would stop a person from just making up a bunch of extra-curricular activities, volunteer experiences, research, leadership positions, community service, etc. on their applications?" I mean, it's not like they ask you for any specific names or contact information regarding these things. Do they actually check this stuff out to make sure it is legit and you are not lying (if they are considering accepting you for an interview). I'm not considering it because I don't want to take that chance, but do you think a person could get away with bullsh*ting on an application? I knew guys in high school who bullsh*ted their way into some pretty respectable colleges like Univ of Michigan by lying on their applications.

Generally speaking, there is little to no verification of the things you write for activities. You, obviously, have to actually discuss your extracurriculars at the interview, but admissions offices are generally far too understaffed to sniff things out routinely. Something has to stink or someone has to rat you out (some people are dumb enough to boast to other pre-meds about forging activities) before contacts or activities will be investigated.

 

[uclabruin2003]

im sure people do it. but uh why? i dont think an extra tutoring gig or volunteering at a church will get you in. now if lie about research...thats pretty hard to do...bc if they ask you questions about it...youre about as good as dead.

 

[aparecida]

I believe I remember a couple of people here reported that their references were contacted, but I can't recall who said that.

 

[NYCmed]

I remember someone mentioning a story about an applicant who falsely claimed that they knew a second, obscure language, and when he went in for an interview the interviewer happened to be able to speak it as well. Outside that extreme example, I've heard that interviewers will ask you about ECs or volunteer work, so you need to have knowledge of what you're writing down, but I've only rarely heard of an interviewer literally tracking people down to verify 100% of your information. I wouldn't personally "beef up" my EC/volunteer info (too chicken 😛 ) but I'm sure it's been done in the past.

 

[Jack_Adam]

Some guy I once knew applied to dental school with 80 supposed hours of clinical experience. His mother worked in a dental office and got some dentists to recommend him and serve as POCs. Not only is that extremely wrong, but on top of that, he got into NYU with a below average GPA, decent DAT, and "exceptional clinical experience" as they noted. More so, he wanted to go to medical school, but couldn't make the cut, so now he's paying over $80K (tuition/living/etc.) to enter a career for which he has no passion. Sad, if you ask me!!!