Re: Lying about ethnicity.

Gloria Stevens wrote in message
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>What measures exist to prevent applicants from lying about
>their ethnicity on their college applications?

This depends on the school.  Obviously, it's going to be less prevalent at
schools which require interviews as part of the admissions process.  ISTR
the UCs are doing a little more checking, announced about a year ago with
not much fanfare.  But it's directed at the whole application, not just
ethnicity.

>Are there standards which determine which ethnic group a
>person belongs to? What are they based on?

Not exactly on topic, but try:
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/frss/publications/96092/2.asp

No idea about what they are based on...the Census Bureau might be the
official arbiter.

>Does a school have the right to perform any kind of background
>check.  Do they?

Depends on the school, state, et cetera.

>What kind of penalty can be imposed on someone who is caught
>lying about their ethnicity?

Loss of admissions, application fees, et cetera.  And probably loss of any
chance at admission to any other selective college.

Remember that things have changed since 9/11.  Coupled with a greater
awareness of cheating on applications, there will probably be more attention
in this area.  But...don't look for a great deal of publicity on this.  In
particular, if anti-terrorism funds are being used, there won't be much open
discussion of methods, I think.

Hank Murphy
speaking only for myself