The college admissions in the United States is infamous for many reasons, but especially because of the stress it puts on students and their families. But do you want to know what the worst part about this stress (aside from feeling it, of course)? Most of it is actually caused by college admissions myths that students have read online, heard from their peers, or from the adults in their lives.
While the application process is certainly a significant undertaking, it’s not this terrifying thing where colleges are looking to scrutinize your life under a microscope. It’s actually an important process designed to learn about who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you hope to achieve in the future. It’s a conversation with a college you hope to attend, but also a great chance to reflect on your high school experience.
However, many students come to us not knowing that, and are stressed to the max! That’s why we’re here to set the record straight on some of the most common college admissions myths we come across in our work as counselors.
Myth 1: Admissions Decisions Are Predominantly Based on SAT/ACT® Scores
While standardized test scores can be a significant part of college applications to certain highly selective schools, they aren’t the sole determinants of admissions decisions. Universities these days are increasingly using a holistic admissions process, where they consider all aspects of your application, including your GPA, course rigor, personal statement, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
While it helps to have great scores, it might not be the deciding factor as to whether or not you’re granted acceptance. Many schools use test-optional policies, and some schools may value other parts of your application more during holistic reviews. All that to say, you never know, so don’t count yourself out just yet!
For more information, check out our blogs on test optional admissions:
Applying Test Optional: Deciding when to submit scores
What does Test Optional Mean to You From a Test Prep Perspective
Myth 2: You Must Have a Long List of Extracurricular Activities
When it comes to extracurriculars, quality far outweighs quantity. It’s a common misconception that admissions officers prefer a long list of activities you’re involved with in name only. It’s a bigger misconception to assume they don’t notice surface level involvement. In reality, admissions officers value commitment and leadership in a few well-chosen activities. The reason why? They’re looking for evidence of your passion, dedication, and genuine interest in a given area; not that you spread yourself too thin by involving yourself in every single club your school offers.
For more information, check out our blogs on extracurricular activities:
How to Focus on Extracurriculars that Colleges Want to See in the New Year
How Extracurriculars Can Help You Grow and Show your Strengths
Myth 3: A Perfect GPA Guarantees Admissions
We’re not going to say that having a strong GPA isn’t important when applying to college, however, you should know that admissions officers consider factors beyond grades. When an admissions officer reads your transcript, they’re assessing your course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letter of recommendation. Your grades are just a small (but still important!) piece of this puzzle. At Marks Education, we encourage students to focus on holistic growth rather than solely on maintaining a flawless GPA.
You might be able to demonstrate growth if your grades have improved over time, if you’ve continually excelled in progressively more challenging coursework, or had extenuating circumstances that required you to push harder in your classes.
Another misconception is that one B will sink your chances at a top school. Colleges are, for the most part, understanding of these things as long as you take responsibility and show that you can improve. It’s definitely not the end of the world, but worth avoiding if you can.
Myth 4: Essays Are Just a Formality
If we had a dollar for every time a student came to us assuming that colleges didn’t read their essays or that they were pointless, we’d be millionaires! Far from a formality, your college essays are a crucial aspect of your application. They give you a platform to directly communicate with admissions committees and bring your application to life. They want to know who you are outside of your grades, activities list, and test scores. Think of it this way– if every applicant has perfect grades, awesome test scores, glowing recommendations, and stellar extracurriculars– what is the only way to distinguish yourself left? Your essays!
Well-written essays set you apart from other applicants with similar academic profiles. Colleges want to know who will be joining their campus in the fall, it’s one of the biggest reasons they ask for essays to begin with. Don’t assume it’s all for nothing and waste your chance to distinguish yourself.
Here are several of our blogs on college essay writing to get you started:
What Makes a College Essay Stand Out
What’s Your College Essay Workout
Writing College Essays that Count
Quirky Tips for Writing Your College Essay
Myth 5: You Need Connections to Get into Top Colleges
Despite what people may say, admissions processes are designed to be meritocratic. Top schools maintain strict ethical standards to make sure all applications are evaluated on their merits. Each file is guaranteed a certain amount of time in front of a reader, and while there, they focus primarily on your academic qualifications, personal characteristics, and potential contributions to the campus community. Don’t feel discouraged about your chances because of a rumor. Rather than relying on connections, concentrate on strengthening the core components of your application.
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