The Application Process

I am curious as I am filling my application forms. I have a very competitive salary at my primary employer, though a complex compensation structure (base, bonus, options and project revenue cuts). However, I have done several consulting jobs on the side that I reported on W2 and paid taxes on. I do not think its necessary to get into the details of all the consulting projects I did them away from work (especially since they were in areas completely unrelated to my field, thus no value to my application or resume)...however, I do not want them to look at my w2 and think I was under representing my income (even though it would be foolish to do anyway bc a higher salary generally is better for b schools right).

I know Knoll verifies with employers, which I am comfortable with. However, do MBA programs look or request your W2 form if you are not applying for financial aid?

bostonyankee wrote:I am curious as I am filling my application forms. I have a very competitive salary at my primary employer, though a complex compensation structure (base, bonus, options and project revenue cuts). However, I have done several consulting jobs on the side that I reported on W2 and paid taxes on. I do not think its necessary to get into the details of all the consulting projects I did them away from work (especially since they were in areas completely unrelated to my field, thus no value to my application or resume)...however, I do not want them to look at my w2 and think I was under representing my income (even though it would be foolish to do anyway bc a higher salary generally is better for b schools right).

I know Knoll verifies with employers, which I am comfortable with. However, do MBA programs look or request your W2 form if you are not applying for financial aid?

KROLL checks that the salary you reported for a specific job matches what you put on your application and that you don't have a hidden criminal record. If you're applying for grants or financial aid, you have to send them copies of your W2s for the last 3 years. Since you are not planning on applying for financial aid (that's awesome and I'm jealous!), I think you should be fine.

B-schools have plenty of people coming in with insane amounts of earnings so it really shouldn't impact your application in any way good or bad.

Thanks for the responses! I have no problem disclosing it to business schools, I would just prefer not to have to describe how I got involved in these consulting projects, my impacts, etc etc. I am trying to hide anything by any means, but just did not want to be stuck in an honesty battle if business schools required my W2 and ask "why did this guy not report all these other earnings to us." Thanks everyone!

they do background checks once you've been admitted. it was a surprise to some of my classmates - not that it ultimately mattered. But they do follow up with your previous employers, should they still be around.

Understatement will never be a problem. Its not a case of being ethically challenged, but of keeping the data with yourself.

In case of applying for aid, it would have been. All colleges have different ways and years to check.