Verification Process

[Carterman32]

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.

[Scottie@VeritasPrep]

If there is something in your background that is of particular concern to you then you should consider writing about it and explaining it as a part of your application. You can write a further description of your hiatus if you feel it is not accurately described in your application packet.

Schools will usually ask you to identify a contact person when you complete your application so you should be able to steer them to the correct department. Finally, be as accurate as possible when writing your application. Any major discrepancy in the information you submit and the information obtained from other sources will be a red flag.

[Carterman32]

If there is something in your background that is of particular concern to you then you should consider writing about it and explaining it as a part of your application. You can write a further description of your hiatus if you feel it is not accurately described in your application packet.

Schools will usually ask you to identify a contact person when you complete your application so you should be able to steer them to the correct department. Finally, be as accurate as possible when writing your application. Any major discrepancy in the information you submit and the information obtained from other sources will be a red flag.

But I've already turned in my applications, and I don't want to raise a red flag before there is one. The truth about my business is that hiatuses are the standard. Wouldn't the school understand that upon explanation?

This is so petty. They should judge people on their qualifications, not on the semantics of how your particular business works. You wouldn't ask a teacher why he/she didn't write down "unemployed" when applying over a summer, so why would I get questioned?

[Scottie@VeritasPrep]

More than likely, your business hiatus will not be a problem. Don't stress about it. If asked about it in an interview then you can explain it.