Do you think you know everything about the college application process? You’re not alone. There are a lot of myths and rumors out there, and it can be tough to figure out what’s true and what’s not. This blog debunks the most common college application myths.
You Need to Have Straight As to Get Into College
A common college myth is that if your grades aren’t perfect, you won’t be able to get into the colleges you want to apply to. This couldn’t be further from the truth! A lot of things affect admissions, and at the end of the day, colleges want students who are smart and will do well in their programs. This means that a little bit of B-level effort can go a long way. Having straight As doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in, while C’s and D’s certainly don’t disqualify you from being considered for admission to top colleges. Focus on your strengths and try your best instead!
Housing is Guaranteed in the College You’re Accepted to
Trying to find an off-campus apartment for your first year of college? Don’t count on it! While most colleges guarantee to house, you can’t bank on getting it in the college you are accepted. Residence halls are typically overbooked by students who hope they’ll get their first choice for housing, and if you haven’t secured your spot in the dorm by May 1st, there’s a chance that you won’t end up living on campus after all. If you don’t secure a spot, you can opt for off-campus housing like Kiley Apartments, find a roommate to live with you in the dorms, or commute.
You Need to Apply to a Lot of Colleges
Another common myth is that students should apply to as many colleges as possible. While it might seem like that would give students more chances to get into a college, the opposite is true. For one thing, many of the applications will overlap and ask for some of the same materials, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Every school requires different essays and supplemental materials. So if you apply to twenty out-of-state colleges, you’ll need to write twenty other articles and submit twenty sets of transcripts and teacher recommendations. Since each college application can cost $50+, this isn’t a small investment! Save yourself time and money by applying to six to ten schools at most.
A Great Essay Will Get You In Every Time
While a fantastic essay can certainly put you ahead of other applicants, there are too many factors at play in the admissions process to count on this as your silver bullet. The best thing you can do is to work hard on each part of your application to show your strengths and accomplishments as a student. Trying to do your best in every aspect of the application process will make it easy to secure a place.
College Is Too Expensive
This myth is one of the most pervasive out there. The truth is, while elite universities do make up a large percentage of the most expensive schools in the country, they offer some of the best financial aid packages too. There are plenty of colleges and universities that aren’t nearly as selective but still charge affordable tuition rates. If you’re interested in attending college, you should start by researching the best fit for you.
College Admissions Officers Read Every Application Thoroughly
Waiting to hear back from admissions is among the hardest parts of the college admission process. Many students wonder how colleges choose who to admit and if a certain formula goes into their decision-making. The truth? No, not really! Admissions officers will read through every application thoroughly. Still, they have so many applications to get through in a given admissions cycle that there’s no way they could read every single one cover to cover. They certainly don’t have the time to sit down and read through your high school transcripts or teacher recommendations line by line!
The aforementioned “facts” about college admissions are not true. If you’re applying to college, it’s important to do your research and get good advice from people who know what they’re talking about.
