is this a joke?
plzzz, most of the freakin premeds exaggerate about everything and make themselves seem all that. you get this impression by just talking to them for 5 minutes.
honestly, it's like any business where you try to sell yourself to your fullest. you're trying to sell yourself over other applicants to the adcoms. what do you expect...of course there are going to be these grandiose exaggerations. i guess the smart person is the one who exaggerates the things that can't be disproved. *sighhh*
no, i don't do this. i haven't even applied yet, but i'm just saying what do you expect...all you have to do is read any personal statement. these isn't just for med schools, either. personal statements, especially for law school, are huge in the app. process and it just amazes me. these PSs are the most overblown writings i have ever seen, but adcoms eat them up. whoever is the best at selling themselves wins the job. that's how it is in any application process.
also, in response to the person who says "they are left with having to feel guilty that they lied and got in," honestly, i don't think that bothers them. if it bothered them they wouldn't have done it. i in no way advocate this strategy, but your naive to think it doesn't happen.
another thing is...i've had professors and professionals tell me "be careful about overexaggerating your resume. if you do, at least make sure it's something that cannot be checked." they then laugh...because they know most ppl do it. yea it sucks, the system sucks...but you can also argue the system sucks for ppl who are bad standardized test takers who get owned by the MCAT and can't get in anywhere. they could have the best grades, be the hardest worker, would make an amazing doctor, but can't get over that last huge MCAT leap.