How truthful should I be on PhD application?

In summary, the conversation revolves around a man who was born in Mexico but his official documents show his place of birth as Romania due to his mother's marriage to a man from Romania. The man wonders if he should put down his real place of birth or stick with what is on his official records for his PhD application. The general consensus is to use the information on his official records, as that is what the school will likely look at. The conversation also touches on the importance (or lack thereof) of one's place of birth in certain situations.
  • #1
texasdude
8
0
I am your regular White guy and a Texan for 6 generations.
The PhD application form asks for your place of birth.

Now I was actually born in Mexico but soon after I was born, my mother married a guy from Romania and moved to Romania. He wanted to immigrate to the US, so he registered himself as my biological father and put down my place of birth as Romania. Thankfully my mom divorced this guy in a couple years. Or maybe he used my mom and divorced her after he moved to America. That's the background.

My official documents still show my place of birth as Romania even though I was born in Mexico. Even my American passport shows my place of birth as Romania. All that mess was created by a man my mother married when I was an infant and none of the mess is my fault. I tried correcting the mess but it was too complicated and an attorney advised me to "let sleeping dogs lie."

Now the PhD application asks for my place of birth. Should I be truthful and put it down as Mexico? Or should I go as per what is on my official records, driver license application, American passport, etc and put it down as Romania?
 
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  • #2
Would it make any difference at all? Your records say you were born in Romania, so use what is officially on paper.
 
  • #3
But won't I be lying if I put it down as Romania?
(I wish application forms didn't ask such questions).
 
  • #4
So what if they see your application form, go look at the official records and see that you've put Mexico, but your records say Romania?
 
  • #5
The attorney was right. It'll be easier for you if all your records say the same thing.
 
  • #6
If you interpret the question to mean, "What is your documented place of birth?", you won't be lying. The school probably cares more about what your documents say, than where you were actually born. Your real place of birth is rarely that important, unless you are trying to be a US president. It's about as relevant as where you were conceived, or what countries your mother visited while she was pregnant.

Same thing with your "Father's Name". The school will care more about what legal document's say, and they are not likely to try and do a DNA test anyway.
 

1. How important is honesty on a PhD application?

Honesty is crucial on a PhD application. Any falsification or misrepresentation of information can lead to serious consequences, including rejection of your application or revocation of your degree if discovered later.

2. Should I disclose any negative information about my academic background?

It is always best to be truthful about your academic background, even if it includes negative information. Admissions committees value honesty and transparency, and may be more forgiving of past academic challenges if they are disclosed honestly.

3. Can I exaggerate my research experience or accomplishments on my application?

No, you should never exaggerate or fabricate any information on your PhD application. This includes research experience and accomplishments. Admissions committees have ways of verifying information, and any dishonesty will likely result in rejection of your application.

4. Should I mention any personal challenges or struggles on my application?

If your personal challenges or struggles have had a significant impact on your academic journey or research experience, it may be worth mentioning on your application. However, be sure to focus on how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them rather than dwelling on the negative aspects.

5. Is it necessary to disclose any mental health issues on my application?

It is not necessary to disclose any mental health issues on your application unless they have directly impacted your academic performance or research experience. However, it is important to remember that seeking help for mental health issues is not a weakness and can actually show resilience and determination.

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