Katie Thurston Admits to Falsifying College Education on 'The Bachelor' Application

Katie Thurston Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Katie Thurston, who rose to fame as a contestant on Matt James' season 25 of The Bachelor, has recently come forward to confess that she was not entirely truthful when she applied for the show. In an exclusive interview with We magazine, the 32-year-old admits, "I misrepresented my college education on my Bachelor application."

ABC seemed to be unaware of Thurston's lack of transparency when she selected the final group of 30 women to date James, who is now 31. Thurston gained attention for her sex-positive mindset and her strong support of the other women in the house who were being bullied by others.

Although James sent Thurston home before hometowns week, she was chosen to be the lead in season 17 of The Bachelorette. After getting engaged to Blake Moynes during her season, Thurston and the 33-year-old Canadian later ended their engagement in October 2021.

Thurston, who had a short-lived relationship with her former Bachelorette suitor John Hersey, has now joined season 3 of FBoy Island. Additionally, she is set to appear as a cameo on season 9 of Bachelor in Paradise. "I received unexpected invitations for both shows just two weeks apart," she reveals. Currently airing on The CW and ABC, fans can find out 25 intriguing facts about Thurston by scrolling down and get the latest issue of We magazine, available now at newsstands.

1. I once arranged a flight to Ireland for an acquaintance I had befriended just a month prior.

2. My inaugural concert experience took place at the Gorge Amphitheatre where I watched Britney Spears perform. However, I couldn't help shedding a few tears when she neglected to acknowledge my fan letter.

3. Dane Cook was the first comedian I saw perform live, and now, 17 years later, he has offered me advice as I pursue comedy myself.

4. I always thought I would grow up to be a veterinarian.

5. I’ve had my cat, Tommy, for 16 years.

6. I got the unexpected invites for Bachelor in Paradise and FBoy Island two weeks apart.

7. I lied about my college education on my Bachelor application.

8. I was voted “Most Likely to be on Reality TV” in high school.

9. I am really good at “gleeking” on command.

10. I auditioned for Peter Pan and Footloose while in school and only got roles as an extra.

11. The thought of being on Dancing With the Stars is terrifying, as I cannot dance at all.

12. Ali Wong is my favorite comedian.

13. Among all the celebrities I've come across, Tiffany Haddish is the only one who has left me completely speechless while I was fangirling.

14. Due to my intense fear of needles, I have refrained from ever attempting injections.

15. When I meet people in person, they always tell me I look taller on TV despite being 5-foot-3.

16. I had to sell my violin when I was a kid in order to pay for volleyball.

17. During [my] promo shoots for reality TV, I had the studio play The Used as a way for me to loosen up.

18. I am participating in “Sober October” for the first time.

19. “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo is my latest karaoke song choice.

20. Chubby Hubby is my favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor.

21. I am obsessed with Noah Kahan’s album Stick Season.

22. My hidden talent is winning radio contests.

23. The Walking Dead is my version of the Roman Empire trend.

24. My middle name [Lane] is my dad’s name.

25. FBoy Island was my favorite experience.