Do colleges verify extracurricular activities?

Hey, peeps! I've been involved in a bunch of clubs and activities throughout high school, and I'm wondering if colleges actually verify/research the activities we list on our applications? How in-depth do they check, and should I be worried about providing evidence if needed? Thanks for any input!

Hey there! Colleges typically operate on an honor system when it comes to extracurricular activities, meaning that they trust students to report their activities accurately and honestly. However, it's not unheard of for colleges to verify activities randomly or if something seems suspicious on an application. In those cases, they might reach out to your high school counselor, club advisor, or another relevant party to confirm your involvement.

When listing your activities, it's essential to be honest and not exaggerate your role or accomplishments. If a college were to find out that you misrepresented yourself on your application, it could lead to negative consequences, such as having your application denied or any offers of admission rescinded. Stick to the truth, and you shouldn't have any worries.

You generally won't need to provide evidence for your activities in your application. Still, it's a good idea to keep records of your involvement (such as certificates, awards, or reference letters from advisors, coaches, or teachers) just in case you're ever asked to provide supporting documentation.