GPA Dilemma: real or fake transcript?

So, I have an issue here and I need some advice. I just finished my final round with a very well known Financial Technology company. This is seriously my gateway into a great career path and means the world to me.

Here's the issue.. I stated that my GPA was a 3.6 on my resume when in fact it really is a 3.1. I am expecting an offer within the next 2 weeks. When that happens I believe they will ask me for my transcript and I don't know what to do. I acknowledge I am stupid for putting myself in this predicament in the first place. However, now I have two options:

A) Send my real transcript with a GPA of 3.1
B) Get a fake transcript done from a company that makes top-notch fakes

Of course I want to give them my real transcript. However, my worry is that they will see that my GPA doesn't line up with what my resume stated.

Do most companies compare your GPA on your transcript to what you had on your resume or do they just require a transcript as proof of me going to school somewhere?

What is the course of action if they find out GPA doesn't match?

Any advice on how I should handle this would be well appreciated. Thanks!!

 

You're a fucking idiot. Do NOT buy the fake. The truth will likely come out eventually.

That said, the only plausible way I see you getting out of this if you contact the company and tell them you made a typo on your resume (they MIGHT by this). Tell them your true GPA and say you still think you're extremely qualified and then let the company decide if they still want to hire you.

"My dear, descended from the apes! Let us hope it is not true, but if it is, let us pray that it will not become generally known."
 

I imagine you are not going to get a lot of positive responses to this thread. I would have a couple pieces of advice on how to handle this. First, I would wait to see if you get an offer before you worry about this. You have pretty much screwed yourself at this point. I think you would be able to spin the situation better when the time comes after you get an offer. And if don't get an offer, then you won't have killed your chances for a future job at this place because they will likely not remember your exact resume if you apply again next year after not getting the job this year. I would absolutely not get a fake transcript made. That will end up being a disaster for you at some point in the future, even if it were to work out this time.

If I was you, I think I would play this only one way. I would wait to get the offer. If they never ask for the transcript, never ever disclose it. If they do ask for the transcript, I would call the appropriate people and make a case for being so enamored with their company that you were literally willing to do anything to get an opportunity. From there, mention that you went through several interviews and they all obviously liked you and what you knew in those interviews and how that should matter more than your GPA. With this said, I highly doubt they would allow you to keep your offer after lying this seriously on your resume. I would try the above approach, but I would guess they will revoke your offer because they won't believe that you are trustworthy anymore.

 

Considering this really means the world to you, you probably want to become successful. Do not risk it! You could destroy your whole career path and everything you worked for. How is the relationship with the firm / the interviewers? Maybe you have proven yourself more with your skills than your grades during the interviews.

But whatever you do...do not take that fake thing. It will only make things worse in the end (University can sue you afaik).

Good Luck however you decide. It would be very nice to hear how this story ends!

 

Honestly, as wrong as it is, you could probably just lie through it, then change jobs 2-3 years down the road with your real gpa and never have an issue with it at all. But I do not advocate that.

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 
Best Response

It's funny how many snobs come out of the woodwork yelling "ermergherd u cn't do tat!"

The OP made a stupid move of earth-shattering proportion. Relax, the other shoe will fall. He knows that, and that's why he's asking us this. If he was smart enough to get a good interview for a job - fake credentials and all - he's smart enough to know he's reaching the end of his rope on this one.

OP, I had about 3 versions of this post typed up before summing it up into one sentence:

Bring forth your real GPA.

You can admit it or play stupid, but either way they won't like it and you stand a good chance of losing your offer. But to be honest, this is your only realistic option. If you get fake transcripts, rest assured that your ass is grass, if not now, then later on. And the latter outcome is much, much worse than the former.

But I'm sure you know that. I think what you really wanted to hear was "it's not as bad as it seems, brah." But that just isn't the case.

Believe it or not, integrity actually is a desirable virtue in finance. Hopefully you will have learned that at the conclusion of this episode.

in it 2 win it
 

What year are you?

If you're a freshman, GPA can change alot after a semester so its possible that they will assume that your GPA just went down since you submitted your first resume.

Now, I don't feel bad b/c you messed over other candidates and blatantly lied, but I'll give you my $0.02:

You probably won't be able to accept an offer with this firm because they will know that you lied. However, you could contact other firms that you are interviewing with and tell them you have an offer with this firm and give them your updated resume and they might overlook the 3.1 because you have an offer from somewhere else.

Faking a transcript prob risks getting expelled and fired if the firm actually thinks its real.

[quote=rufiolove]When evaluating whether or not to post something on WSO, I think to myself, "would an idiot post this" and if the answer is yes, I do not post that thing...[/quote]
 

Also suprised no one called troll yet..

[quote=rufiolove]When evaluating whether or not to post something on WSO, I think to myself, "would an idiot post this" and if the answer is yes, I do not post that thing...[/quote]
 

Pray they don't ask for a transcript. If they do, send them the real one.

You could then hope 1) they receive it and file it away without checking, 2) HR feels it would be more of a headache to find your replacement (doubtful), and/or 3) HR blackmails you for a reasonable sum.

And go adopt some sick puppies or volunteer at a hospital - you've got a serious karma deficit.

 

I thought this was going to be one of those "I have a 3.57 but listed a 3.6 on my resume, advice" kind of question.

But seriously, this is incredible. I don't even know what to say. I say send your real one. Honestly, I doubt HR cares or will even look at your resume. They probably will look to make sure you have attended college, have a degree and move on. Too much of a headache.

Edit: Hey Andy/Patrick this has to be an all-time classic in the making.

 

A guy I know had 2.7 but listed 3.0 and got an internship... they didn't ask for a transcript but asked for a letter that showed he was in good academic standing or some shit... He dodged a bullet there... Since you graduated, I think you are screwed.

Lying is never good... hope for you the HR doesn't notice

 

Are you positive they will ask for your transcript? If I were you I wouldn't be on this forum but instead be reading every glassdoor comment I could and searching LinkedIn for anyone you could contact that has worked at this firm previously regarding steps after the offer...

"I'm a historian, and that freaks me out."- Mike Tyson
 

Ok so thanks for the input guys.

Def not doing the fake transcript thing.

I have been out of school working for almost 3 years now, however, this program that I am hoping to get an offer for consists of candidates who are coming out of school and also people who have been in the workforce 1-3 years.

Should I play dumb and send the real transcript without saying anything or should I contact HR and just be honest?

 

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