Warning on False Advertising by Colleges Issued

A significant number of college ads for recruiting freshmen have proven false or overblown, the Fair Trade Commission said yesterday.

Misleading ads included the claims “Ranked top in job placement over the past five years” and “65 percent of students receive a scholarship.”

The commission issued the warning to consumers judging that a significant portion of college advertising aimed at freshmen is deceptive.

One university said it ranked No.1 in job placement nationwide though it did so for schools with more than 3,000 students. Another said it topped job placement for the fifth straight year despite falling out of first place in 2007.

“Employment rates and scholarships can be found on the Web site College Alimi (www.academyinfo.go.kr), and the passing rates of national exams are available from the career assistance center at each college,” a commission source said.

“False or exaggerated advertisements should be reported to the consumer department at any branch of the Fair Trade Commission.”

peacechaos@donga.com