To lie about grades?

[Raven11]

I graduated last year with a third after suffering with depersonalisation for 6 months. I studied something that I somewhat enjoyed at A-level but using the word hated at uni is an understatement. But that's not the point, but I've applied for the perfect grad scheme (which is nothing to do with my degree) and left out my degree classification as they've asked for a min of a 2:1 (like the majority of jobs these days).

This is my issue, the HR(?) team have left a message saying they need some more information for my application. I'm pretty sure they want my degree classification.

My mum (the Christian lady who believes using someone else's left over parking ticket is deceitful) has told me to say I've got a 2:1. I'm tired of having so many doors closed before I've started but surely this cannot be pulled off?

I don't think i'll lie, as I'm a fairly anxious person at the best of times, and I wouldn't want the guilt/anxiety of being caught out. Maybe just some nice words that one day someone will look past my grades.

Ask them what extra information they want. It might not be the grade of your degree. It's not really a good idea to lie because they'll probably ask to see a copy of your certificate. You could always get a forger to alter it. I bet plenty folk do.

Would deffo NOT forge a Degree cert!

You would deffo be heading into Fraud, pecuniary advantage? Lawyers please correct me?

You can't lie about this. I started a new job in May and was asked to provide my degree certificate. I graduated in 1993! It's not the first time I've been asked, either. Sorry.

I've really appreciated the words of encouragement and advice. I'm currently in the process of being diagnosed and getting treatment for ADD so once that is sorted out I could possibly do a masters as my former uni (as my lecturer said she'd write a good reference stating that I would have got better grades) but in something different, maybe business. With my ADD studying is like asking someone with a broken leg to walk, not impossible but painful, slow and just a horrible experience. After getting depersonalisation I vowed to myself that I'd never put myself through sometime as painful as spending my days behind a screen again.

This all about meeting people, building relationships and looking after cliental at events, something cannot be reflected in my Bsc but hopefully they'll look at my work experience.

Don't worry, I won't forge a degree nor will I lie. I cannot believe I actually thought about doing it for a total of two minutes.

But you could ring them, tell them what happened, why you're otherwise perfect for the job, explain that your tutor would be happy to give you a reference and see what they say! You've applied now, may as well ask!

I wouldn't lie, go to the careers people at your uni to see what they can advise to help you

I would capitalize on the fact they have contacted you for more info - you have the chance to make your case which won't come up every time. Tell them your story....

I graduated 20 years ago with a 2.2. Even then, and a grade higher than yours, that ruled out most grad jobs. (I ended up entering the civil service on the ‘has A-levels ‘ job band. Unfortunately for most of my time there the quality of the work is what an average GCSE leaver could be expected to do.)

If you are set on a grad scheme, I suppose an option could be to do a part-time degree in something you find interesting (OU?). But tbh, the job you mentioned doesn’t sound like it actually needs a degree at all. I. would be inclined to ask if they could consider you for something similar but outwith the actual grad scheme. Obviously highlight the relevant stuff you’d bring re language skills.

They want a candidate with a certain level of intellectual ability........lying is not going to do you any favours if you can't actually do the job

All a grad scheme does is fast track a graduate into a middle management level. A talented non grad could do the same thing at the same speed internally by applying for the right roles. So no heebiejeebie you are definitely wrong there.

Ring them and make your case, as pp have said.

Just to add, though, I knew someone who got a third but then got a job and worked their way up for a few years - she's doing incredibly well professionally now and her degree classification is irrelevant.

@HeebieJeebie A degree is mostly a test of your academic aptitude and not your "intellectual ability". Notwithstanding the OPs exceptional circumstances, which suggest that she would have received a higher grade without her health issues, I have seen many, many graduates with 2.1s and above from good universities prove disappointing once they start on grad schemes, as their academic standing does not equate to being ready for the work world (which typically needs a more practical way of learning on the go). Similarly, I've seen many people rise quickly through the ranks without such a great academic background.

Degrees are only one indicator of many as to whether an individual could be suited to a job. Of course the OP shouldn't lie, but not because she is not able to do the job - based on the above, there is no evidence to support that. If anything, battling through a degree in a subject she didn't enjoy, while struggling with anxiety and other issues, suggests that she is a strong person who will buckle down and work hard in tough times.

You are part of an elite group of geniuses! WH Auden, Lewis Caroll, AA Milne, Stanley Baldwin, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, David Dimbleby, Christopher Hitchens, Hugh Laurie and Carol Vorderman all got thirds. The world didn't end for them. Go an tell your mum that! Use that information in future interviews and sell yourself that way.

Don't lie though. If it bothers you speak to your university, even if it is late. Can you repeat your final year but in a different, but related, subject? You have extenuating circumstances if you have medical proof of your illness.

I wouldn't lie. Then again, no one has ever asked to see my degree certificate or any other exam certs, ever. Then again I never went on to graduate scheme so they probably will.

Can you apply to do a top up degree? Depending on the subject you have taken you may be able to use your current degree as credit and take the final years worth of modules and get a degree in another subject.

Tammy Swanson... You don't need to see an applicant's certs to verify if they have a degree!

My closest friend had a bad third year at uni and ended up with a Third. She got a job and worked her socks off. So much so that the firm paid for her to do an MBA. She later gained further qualifications and taught at a very high level.

So don’t be down hearted, it really can work out. Be honest and open. And if you have so many of the skills they require absolutely put in your application with a brief covering letter and possibly a letter from your lecturer and fingers crossed they may interview you.

What Etymology said. Ask for special consideration due to your circumstance and say you can provide a reference (from the friendly tutor). Be ready to give evidence of how your condition has improved.

I graduated in 2003 and have over 10yrs experience in my current field - my actual degree is in an unrelated subject and the grade not really relevant now given my proven work experience and references. I still had to provide a copy of my certificate for my most recent role. I'm sure if I'd have lied on my application about the grade the offer would have been withdrawn. Don't lie.