There’s no doubt, the topic of applying to college generates a lot of buzz. And people ALWAYS want to offer their two cents. Generally, the advice you’ll receive comes from a genuine place of caring, but can be misinformed, based on singular perspective and experiences. Students may find themselves falling victim to all kinds of college admissions rumors. Here’s the top myths and why they are false.
1. It’s better to get good grades than take challenging courses
You always want to make sure that you are taking the most challenging courses possible, as long as they won’t be completely detrimental to your GPA. It also shows admissions officers that you can handle advanced coursework and succeed in college-level coursework. Also, weighted GPAs are definitely your friend if you’re thinking of taking the most challenging courses because you’ll get more “weight” for your grades in a more challenging course (i.e. Honors, etc) so a 3.0 in an Honors class could equate to a 3.6 is a non-Honors class. You’ll want to check with your school about their weighting policies to get a better idea of how your GPA will be tabulated.
2. Standardized tests (ACT/SAT) are more important than my grades
This is a common college admissions rumor. While admissions officers certainly consider ACT and/or SAT scores, standardized tests don’t typically hold more weight than your GPA. Often time, colleges are looking at a combination of factors to determine admission. If you are a solid test taker, please don’t slack off in the classroom and expect your high test scores to be your saving grace. Another important thing to note is that each year, the amount of schools that are going test-optional is growing.
3. The listed tuition price will be exactly what I pay
When assessing college affordability, the first thing to understand is the difference between sticker price and net price. Sticker price in simple terms is the published tuition price before any sort of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work-study etc.) is factored in. The net price is what a student ACTUALLY pays after financial aid. It’s very rare that students pay the sticker price.Even if a college you are considering gives you sticker shock, still send your completed FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) to them and apply for other institutional aid that may be available. The financial aid package they provide you may be a pleasant surprise.
4. Being super involved in HS will compensate for my poor grades
It is true that colleges are seeking well-rounded students who will positively contribute to the overall campus vibrancy, but they also want to make sure you can hang academically and ultimately, will succeed. With that being said, you NEVER want to prioritize your extracurricular involvement over getting good grades.
5. I have to know exactly what I want my major/career to be before I decide on a college
College is all about exploration – both academic and personal. While it’s good to have an idea of what interests you, there’s absolutely no need to commit to anything before you enroll. Aside from a small percentage of undergrads, most students don’t usually declare a major until their sophomore year. Even then, they are likely to change their minds. When the time does come, check out our advice on deciding your major.