* Verification of transcripts and test scores: Colleges routinely verify the authenticity of submitted documents. Falsifying these is easily detectable and will result in immediate rejection and potential legal repercussions.
* Application essay plagiarism detection: Essays are checked for plagiarism using sophisticated software. Submitting work that isn't your own is a guaranteed way to be disqualified.
* Interview inconsistencies: Admissions interviews can reveal inconsistencies between what's written in the application and the applicant's actual personality, experiences, and knowledge.
* Recommendation letter scrutiny: Colleges may contact recommenders to verify the information provided in their letters. Fabricated or overly positive recommendations will raise red flags.
* Background checks: In some cases, colleges may conduct background checks to verify claims made in the application.
Beyond the detection methods, the effort required to convincingly fake a strong academic record, extracurricular activities, and genuine personal qualities is immense and likely to backfire. The Ivy League schools look for authentic individuals with a demonstrable track record of achievement and genuine interest in their chosen fields. A fabricated application will lack the depth and nuance that authentic applications possess.
In short, while technically possible, cheating your way into an Ivy League school is incredibly risky and almost certainly unsuccessful. The repercussions of getting caught far outweigh any perceived benefit. The time and effort required to build a genuine, strong application are far more effective and rewarding in the long run.