Do colleges know about previous schools?

I have a question—if I've attended more than one college before and don't mention it in my application, can my new college find out about my past school attendance? Is it even important to disclose this info in my application?

Yes, colleges can potentially discover your previous school attendance even if you don't mention it in your application. One way they might find out is through the National Student Clearinghouse, which is a centralized database containing information about college students in the United States. While the chances might not be high, it's still very much a possibility.

It's essential to disclose your past school attendance on your application, both for ethical reasons and to ensure a smooth admission process. Omitting information about previous institutions can be seen as fraudulent or misleading. Additionally, your academic history is an essential part of your college application, and colleges want to see a complete and accurate picture of your educational background.

Transparency and honesty are critical in the college application process. If you're concerned about the impact of your previous college experience on your current application, consider explaining it in the optional "additional information" section of your application. Discuss any important context or circumstances that you think the college should be aware of (e.g., a reason for a transfer, gaps in your education, or an explanation of academic performance).

Overall, it's best to provide all required information, including any previous college attendance, on your application. By doing so, you'll ensure that your application is accurate and won't encounter any issues during the admissions process.