Lying About Extracurriculars on College Apps?

My friend suggested that I can exaggerate my extracurricular activities on my college applications to boost my profile. What do you guys think about lying about extracurriculars on college applications? How risky is this and will colleges find out?

I strongly advise against exaggerating or lying about your extracurriculars on college applications. Colleges often verify the information in your application, and if they catch you providing inaccurate information, it can lead to serious consequences. Even if a college does not outright verify your extracurriculars, admissions officers may have ways to cross-check information, such as talking to your school counselor, reaching out to organizations, or checking your social media profiles.

If a college discovers that you've lied on your application, it could result in your application being instantly rejected or, if you've already been accepted, your admission could be revoked. Moreover, your actions could impact your reputation and credibility, making it harder for you to gain trust in the future.

A better approach would be to focus on the activities you have genuinely pursued and highlight your achievements and growth in those areas. Demonstrating a deep commitment to a few activities and showcasing the impact of your involvement will be far more valuable to colleges than trying to pad your application with false information. Remember, admissions officers value quality over quantity when it comes to extracurriculars, so concentrate on emphasizing the positive aspects of your genuine experiences.