Few B-school applicants lie on their entry materials. But that doesn’t mean someone isn’t taking a close look

Potential B-school students are advised to learn from the real world of business. That includes the bad episodes as well, such as the incident last year in which RadioShack (RSH) Chief Executive David Edmonson was forced to resign over résumé inaccuracies. And while most B-school applicants are honest in the application process, the prevailing attitude at many admissions offices is a variation of the Reagan-era mantra, “Trust, but verify.”

For many students, that means opening up to a background check, something that’s becoming more common throughout the business world. And while few applicants out-and-out lie on their entry forms, the occasional misstep does get caught. And often, the one who has overseen the catching is Brian Lapidus, vice-president for strategic development at the background screening division of risk-consulting firm Kroll (MMC) in Nashville.