Myths About Choosing A College

The college admissions process seems to attract inaccurate perceptions and faulty statements from all involved. Students and families often advise each other with the best of intentions, however, perpetuate opinions not based on facts. Here are 9 myths about the college selection process:

“There are good colleges and bad colleges”. By what criterion is a college judged? Not every student is the same or even has the same needs. Academic quality is not easily assessed and, while some colleges are better known than others, it is not true that these colleges are good the rest are bad. The key question is, “Is this a good college choice for me?” A college should be in line with your educational needs and background, your goals, your major, your ability and personality, and your learning style.

“Colleges only choose the ‘best’ students.” College admissions officers are human, and as such, many believe that if they went back any given year, they wouldn’t necessarily choose all the same students again. This gives every student the hope to potentially go to a dream school that just may be a bit of a reach. Go for it; it’s just one application. Don’t ever sell yourself short and just not apply because you think you have absolutely no chance. Try it; you might be surprised.

“Schools that cost more are of higher quality.” Many state universities charge different tuitions for out-of-state students versus in-state students. Still the same university. The education is no different. Many factors go into determining the fee structure of colleges, including subsidies, the size of the student body, a school’s endowment, etc. Students should look at how well a school matches their own college selection criteria before they look at any ranking system.

“The more rigorous the admissions standards, the higher the quality of education.” There are many reasons a college or university might have high admission standards. State universities commonly feel an obligation to in-state students and thus out-of-state admission may be more difficult. A college may have been mentioned in a national newspaper, magazine, or book, or their sports team may have had an excellent year. Some colleges have niche markets or student bases, that though they maintain a high percentage of acceptance, they indeed have a high level of competitiveness.

“Future employers and graduate schools give an edge to students who have degrees from prestigious universities.” Not necessarily true. As the general level of quality in colleges has risen over time, and as the gap between the once elite schools and the rest has closed, employers and graduate school admission staffs can no longer rely simply on the name of your school. Consider a school where you will equally make good grades and contribute positively to campus life, and you have a winning combination. A distinguished record in college, not just academically, will get a student strongly recruited by companies and graduate schools.

“It’s a great school and I would love to go, but I just can’t afford it.” Millions of dollars are given to students and families annually to help aid in the cost of a college education. Just check out our comprehensive Financial Aid section. The federal government, your local community, individual colleges, and thousands of public and private organizations make billions of dollars in financial aid available to college students every year. Research is extremely important. Start your using our online degree widget.

“Test scores are the most important part of my application.” Nope. Colleges want the whole package, and weight parts of your application accordingly. The quality of the courses you’ve taken in high school and your grades in those courses are the most important. However, your extracurricular activities, leadership positions, community service, special qualities or talents, and your response to college essays can sometimes help compensate for subpar scores.

“I’m a failure if I don’t get into this college.” There are many reasons why students are not accepted at a particular college. Your academic record may not be as strong as those of other applicants, or the college may be looking for particular talents or qualities to fulfill some vacant role at the school. Regardless, these reasons are not important. A college is simply an institution where you can refine your talents, be challenged in class, and have a successful and fun experience.

“Some secret strategy can get me admitted to my dream school.” There is no secret strategy that automatically gets you admitted to a school. Students who seek letters of recommendation from a public figure or the CEO of a major corporation – unless they actually know them – are wasting their time. Don’t join clubs just to put them on your resume. Focus your time on making a real difference and doing something great in the fields you are passionate about. Students have been known to agonize for days over an application essay, trying to create a version of themselves they think the admissions officer will like. Just be yourself and show personality; that will win them over more than anything else.

Overall, feel free to dream. Open yourself up to the excitement and the opportunities ahead. Explore colleges in an atmosphere unblocked by preconceptions, myths, or limitations. Dream of the future; dream of cultivating leadership skills, talents, and worldly experiences.