Lying About Graduation Year

I'm a rising sophomore (class of 2027). I could graduate in spring 2026 if I wanted to, but that's besides the point. Can I apply to roles that ask for class of 2026 and change the date on my resume. If given a return offer, I'd decline and say I want to pursue an additional major. I'd do this only for smaller PE shops or small IBs. What are the chances of this coming back to bite me?

10 Comments
 

Pretty sure this is somewhat common for work experience. As long as it's at smaller shops, you can just decline the return offer (if you get one) and you should be fine.

 

what about for BBs? I'm in a similar situation where i could graduate a year early but i want to do 4 full years for an additional art history major. If i do end up getting a return offer and still want to pursue another major, would that mess up my relationship with the firm for forever?

 

If you actually can graduate in 2026 do it. When you send in documents for the background check make sure you tell the school to update your anticipated graduation date to 2026. Then if you turn down the return offer, ask them to change it back.
 

This is all assuming you can land a better offer after though.

 

Just curious, are small shops checking graduation dates? Seems cumbersome. Most they could easily do is verify you attend the school and ask for a transcript showing progress.

 

Eh, unlikely but you never know...

If you actually were able to graduate a year early this would be a super easy thing to do.

Just check with your school to make sure you can change it back if you change your mind about "graduating early"

Do not lie if you cannot graduate a year early. Do not stretch the truth either and be like well if I take 24 credits each semester then I can.

If you have the paperwork that you are actually on track to graduate at said date, what are they going to do about it? You changed your mind and want to recruit for a better job. People delay graduation for recruiting sometimes, it is not unheard of. The obvious risk here is that you better hope you are able to land a better job.

 

Every year some idiot thinks this is a good idea and comes it back to bite them

 

It’s possible to pull off if you’re in a particular predicament. I pulled it off when transferring schools for athletics (I was on pace to graduate in three at the time, though).

 

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