I don't think we can claim zero downside from one anecdote. There are always outliers that can occur from extenuating circumstances.
- The family potentially has the financial resources or possibly connections to 'make things happen'.
- Perhaps the student is especially charismatic and was able to somehow right the situation. Some people have that con-artist mindset where they're able to cheat/commit fraud through their life with seemingly minimal consequences.
- Perhaps they just got lucky and the administration didn't do their due diligence.
anecdata is data if you do not have other data or anecdotes to pack your claims up. The present an example whereas you present speculation
> Perhaps they just got lucky and the administration didn't do their due diligence.
Are universities supposed to google every applicant?
I mean I haven't been in academia for a decade, but back when I was I certainly never browsed a 17-year-old girl's instagram before making an admission decision.
Not every applicant, but the ones in the accepted pool, it strikes me as odd there isn't some basic amount of vetting.
Instagram? No (although, wouldn't be surprised)... but doing a gut check with the school admin and looking at public records? Sure.
you present a very interesting specific example of Instagram which is completely unrelated. story time?
If I put some kid's name into Google, shouldn't I expect social media to come up?