When you submit your volunteer hours in college applications, how do colleges know if those hours are legit? Do they want any proof, or just trust that you're being honest? I'm a bit worried about how this works and how to properly document everything.
Admissions officers generally take the information provided by applicants at face value, given the large number of applications they need to review. That said, they also have years of experience and can often tell when something doesn't add up or seems unrealistic. For example, if you claim to have volunteered 40 hours a week while also maintaining a high GPA and participating in other extracurricular activities, they might question the validity of your claims.
Official documentation of your volunteering efforts is usually not required during the application process, but I would recommend keeping a record, including details like the organization's name, dates, and descriptions of your duties. This could be either a list, a journal, or a digital document. Make sure to ask your point of contact at the organization to vouch for you if it's needed.
Remember, the honor system is a big part of the college application process. It's crucial to present your activities and accomplishments accurately and honestly. If falsified information is discovered by the college, even after admission, it could lead to the rescinding of an offer or expulsion.
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