Verification Process

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Verification Process

by Carterman32 » Sat Jan 10, 2009 7:06 pm
Hello,

I have some questions about school's admit verification process. It's my understanding that most of the b-schools run a background check on admitted students. Here are my questions:

1) What should one write on an application if their business has a built-in hiatus every year? I work at this type of job, but don't get paid during this hiatus period (much like a teacher). I don't want to write that I'm unemployed, but I also don't want this to get red flagged during the verification process. I noted on my application that I'm "on a regularly scheduled break"... is that enough?

2) How do b-schools know who to contact for verification purposes? For example, in my business, the HR department is far-removed from the work I do. It would make much more sense to talk to my immediate supervisor. How would the school/verification company know who to contact to get the right information?

3) What happens if a company's policy is not to release the reason why someone left? At some of the places I've worked, they'll only verify the dates of unemployment, but not the reason the person left (i.e. termination vs. personal choice), salary history, etc.

4) What happens if there is a discrepancy between what is written on someone's application and what shows up on the background check? Does the applicant get a chance to defend his/her case? Or is the person automatically denied admission?

It doesn't seem like schools are very open about the process, and this opaqueness makes me incredibly nervous. I feel I was accurate as I could be, given that I come from an unconventional business. I change jobs often, and I'm worried that something will red flag.
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by Cindy Tokumitsu » Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:52 am
Hello,

To answer your questions:

1) This is the kind of thing you can and should briefly explain in an optional essay.
2) I’m not sure of their process in every case, but usually they will go to HR to verify basic facts (e.g., your title, etc.). Most companies are not allowed to discuss more than that, and the adcom also is not authorized to go and probe other people in the company about you, unless a recommender invites then to contact them with any questions.
3) This is common. The adcom would not expect otherwise.
4) I believe this will vary depending on the specific circumstances – the policy of the particular adcom, the perceived egregiousness of the discrepancy, etc.

Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com