Many people view high school as a springboard to further education and employment prospects. However, the pressure can be too much for students who struggle academically or drop out. Some resort to fabricating high school transcripts in this setting in an attempt to hide their difficulties. Although it may seem like a quick fix, the results are rarely worth it.
The Reasons Students Use False Transcripts
1. Pressure to Get into College
Increasing their chances of getting into college is one of the main reasons why students falsify their transcripts. The temptation to “upgrade” a transcript using a transcript generator or a forged template can be strong, as admissions teams place a significant weight on grades.
2. Scholarship Possibilities
For scholarships, GPA requirements are standard. The thought of changing a transcript might seem like the only option for students who are just outside of eligibility.
3. Shortcuts to Employment
Some jobs only require proof of a high school diploma and a transcript, while others do not require a college degree. It is possible to obtain employment for which an applicant is not a suitable fit by using a forged transcript and diploma.
4. Family and Peer Pressure
If students don’t meet academic expectations, parents, friends, or peers may unintentionally make them feel like failures. Falsifying a transcript is seen by some as a desperate attempt to “keep up appearances.”
Ways in Which Students Create False Transcripts
Although the procedure varies, typical approaches consist of:
- Transcript generators that let you change the grades and courses.
- Editable templates that can be downloaded online.
- Employing forgery services that, for a fee, produce transcripts that appear “official.”
Along with phony high school diplomas, many vendors advertise these services and offer packages that look authentic.
The Unspoken Price of Falsifying a Transcript
Legal Difficulties
It may be fraud to show a phony transcript to a college or employer. This can result in fines, legal charges, or even jail time in some areas.
Academic Repercussions
Students run the risk of being permanently blacklisted from schools if they are caught, which could significantly hinder their chances of gaining college admission.
Risks to Employment
Verification services, such as Valid Grad, are being used by employers more frequently to review academic records. Once found, the candidate loses their job and becomes known for being dishonest.
Burden of Emotions
There is also the expense of living with the fear of exposure. Knowing that their accomplishments are based on false information, students who fabricate transcripts frequently experience stress and anxiety.
Why It Never Works
Fake transcripts can lead to temporary success, but they rarely yield lasting success. Ultimately, academic dishonesty is often discovered, and the harm may outweigh any immediate benefits. On the other hand, students can obtain legitimate credentials that are respected by taking the longer and more challenging route of remedial education, adult high school programs, or GED exams.
Beneficial Substitutes
Students can do the following instead of taking a chance with a phony transcript:
- Participate in GED or adult education programs.
- To raise your grades before you graduate, look for tutoring.
- Look into community colleges that allow open enrollment.
- Go for vocational training, where practical experience is more important than academic credentials.
Conclusion
Fake high school transcripts are never the solution for students who feel stuck due to poor grades, pressure, or lost opportunities. The risks are too significant on all fronts: legal, academic, professional, and emotional. Although it can be challenging, authentic education consistently yields more stable and satisfying outcomes.
While there may be a short-term benefit to cheating the system, the consequences of dishonesty are far more severe than the consequences of receiving a bad grade.