Safeguarding higher education admissions

The globalization of education has significantly increased the number of international students seeking admission to higher education institutions worldwide. This surge has brought immense cultural and academic diversity, enriching the learning environment. However, it has also introduced new challenges, including concerns around the authenticity of admissions documentation. Fraudulent documents have become a growing issue, posing significant risks to the educational institutions’ integrity and the student body quality.

International student admissions fraud involves the submission of falsified or manipulated documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, recommendation letters and standardized test scores. The motivations behind these fraudulent activities vary, ranging from students attempting to meet stringent entry requirements, agents and third-party service providers engaging in unethical practices to secure admissions for their clients and financial motivations such as eligibility for merit scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The impact of admitting students based on fraudulent documentation can be profound. It undermines academic program credibility, devalues other students’ achievements and strains institutional resources. Moreover, it can lead to legal and financial repercussions for the institutions involved as they are required to maintain accurate Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records.

Key risks associated with students who submitted fraudulent or altered documentation during the admissions process

• Reputation damage: The university's reputation can be severely damaged if it becomes known that students were admitted based on fraudulent information, including attempts to secure financial benefits such as merit scholarships. This can lead to a loss of trust among prospective students, parents, alumni and donors
• Academic integrity: Allowing students with fraudulent credentials to gain admission, whether for merit scholarships or other reasons, undermines the institution's commitment to academic integrity and fairness. This creates an unfair environment for other students who were admitted based on their true merits
• Legal and regulatory consequences: Legal repercussions for the institution could ensue if it is found to be negligent in its admissions process, including cases where fraudulent documentation was submitted to obtain financial benefits like scholarships. This might involve lawsuits or penalties from regulatory bodies that oversee higher education standards. If a student who is admitted under false pretenses is a perceived threat to national security, the institution also risks losing its Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and the ability to enroll international students
• Resource misallocation: Resources such as financial aid, merit scholarships and academic support may be allocated to students who do not deserve them, potentially depriving other deserving students of these opportunities, regardless of the motivation for the fraud
• Academic performance and retention issues: Students who gained admission fraudulently, including those seeking scholarships, may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to succeed academically. This can lead to higher dropout rates and lower overall academic performance, affecting the institution’s metrics and rankings
• Security risks: Fraudulent documentation, whether for financial gain or other reasons, could be indicative of other dishonest behaviors. Such students might pose risks to campus security or engage in further fraudulent activities within the institution. Furthermore, the students’ presence in the country could pose a risk to national security
• Moral and ethical concerns: Admitting students with fraudulent documentation, regardless of the motivation, raises ethical concerns about the university's commitment to honesty and transparency. It sets a poor example for other students and faculty members regarding the importance of integrity
• Accreditation risks: Accrediting bodies may question the institution’s admission practices and overall credibility, particularly if students are found to have submitted fraudulent documents, potentially putting the institution's accreditation status at risk

By understanding the risks and implementing comprehensive measures, institutions can safeguard their admissions processes and maintain their academic programs’ integrity. This article explores the common types of fraudulent documentation, the red flags to watch for that may be indicative of fraud and some leading practices to help identify those flags.

Identifying red flags that may indicate fraudulent admissions documentation

• Inconsistent formatting: Look for irregularities in formatting within the document (e.g., font style, size and color; spacing and alignment). If possible, compare the document with authentic examples from the same institution or organization
• Unusual image quality: Scanned documents that are overly pixelated or blurry, especially around text or logos, may indicate tampering. Check for signs of digital editing, such as inconsistent resolution or artifacts
• Inconsistent information: Cross-reference details like names, dates and grades with other submitted documents. Look for discrepancies between the information provided in the document and other parts of the application
• Suspicious seals and signatures: Inspect official seals, stamps and signatures for signs of digital manipulation. Compare with known authentic examples for accuracy and placement
• Irregular backgrounds and watermarks: Check for inconsistent backgrounds or watermarks that may indicate copying and pasting. Look for subtle differences in texture or color that can signal alterations
• Unusual document properties: Analyze document properties, such as security settings, to detect unusual restrictions or modifications. Be wary of documents with restricted editing or printing permissions, which can indicate tampering
• High school legitimacy: Verify the legitimacy of the applicant’s high school or previous institution through a web search, validating an official website, contact information and accreditation details. It may be a red flag if the school has minimal or no presence online
• Varying counselor or principal information: Cross-check the provided names and contact details with the school's official website or call the school directly to confirm their employment. Also consider the use of an informal email address (e.g., @gmail.com, @aol.com. etc.) as opposed to an “.edu” as a potential concern
• Irregularity in transcripts: If possible, review the transcripts from students applying to your institution that are coming from the same school. There should not be significant variations in format, grading scales or course names among different students. However, there should likely be differences in course grades, class rank and other specific and personal information. Confirm the transcripts are not identical replications
• Unusual academic progression: Look for logical progression in course difficulty and grades and verify any anomalies with the school if needed

Next steps: How can Baker Tilly help your institution

Our higher education risk specialists provide institutions with specialized advice, guidance and tools to help them review documentation and data to identify red flags, such as those listed above. We conduct assessments that identify potential risks and areas for improvement, assist in developing strategies to mitigate risks and implement best practices to enhance an institution’s approach to reviewing application data.

For more information, or to learn how Baker Tilly’s higher education risk specialists can help your institution, contact our team.