When it comes to applying to college, there’s no shortage of opinions, advice, and even rumors. From hallway chatter to well-meaning family friends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting messages.
Let’s clear up five of the most common myths we hear and share our insights about what matters in the college admissions process.
Myth #1: You need to do everything to get in
The Myth: Colleges only admit students who are in multiple clubs, play at least three sports, volunteer every weekend, and win national awards.
The Reality: Colleges don’t require that you “do it all.” Instead they are looking for students who engage in something with intention and depth. Admissions counselors often prefer to see a student who is consistently involved and growing in a few key activities than a student who is spread too thin across so many activities that they are really nothing more than resume-fillers.
Try this instead: Focus on a few extracurricular activities that mean something to you. Whether it’s service related, career-oriented, athletic or some other special interest, think about how you can go deeper into the activity by taking on leadership roles, building new skills, or making an impact. Think about quality over quantity.
Myth #2: Getting into college is all about having perfect grades
The Myth: If your GPA isn’t flawless, you won’t get in anywhere “good”.
The Reality: Grades are important, but they’re not everything. Most colleges review applications holistically, which means they consider several factors including coursework rigor, trends in your academic performance, and how your grades are viewed in the context of your school. A student who challenges themselves and bounces back from a rough semester can still be a strong applicant. Also, what do you mean by “good?” In our opinion, “good” colleges are those colleges that offer you academics that interest you and where you can stretch yourself, while also fulfilling your social and financial needs.
Try this instead: Keep working hard in your classes, and don’t panic if you’re not “perfect”. On the contrary, focus on what you can control, like asking for help when you need it, trying your best, and using your time outside of class wisely. There are many colleges out there that meet your needs on all levels that you will thrive at.
Myth #3: You have to apply to as many colleges as possible to be safe
The Myth: The more applications you send, the better your chances.
The Reality: Submitting 20+ applications without strategy can lead to stress, rushed essays, and expensive application fees. A well-researched list of 8–12 schools that fit your academic, social, and financial needs will serve you better than a scattershot approach.
Try this instead: Build a balanced list with a mix of safety, target, and reach schools that you’d be happy to attend. Keep in mind that you are not looking for a Bell curve balance and in some cases, reach schools are not on a student’s list for a variety of reasons. Remember, safety doesn’t mean “bad” and reach doesn’t mean “good”. You want to find a set of schools that fits YOU.
Myth #4 You need to know your major before you apply
The Myth: Colleges want students who already know exactly what they want to study.
The Reality: It’s okay not to know! Many colleges expect students to explore and change majors. They are looking for students you are intellectually curious. Show them that you enjoy learning and thinking critically, even if you’re still figuring out the specifics. After all, 80% of students change their major at least once while they are in college.
Try this instead: If you’re undecided, be honest. Share your interests and explain what excites you about college-level learning.
Myth #5 Only the name-brand colleges are worth attending
The Myth: If the school’s not a household name, it’s not a “good” school.
The Reality: There are literally thousands of colleges across the country. Many of them, even those that may not be well-known offer excellent academics, supportive communities, and strong outcomes.
Try this instead: Research colleges that match your academic, social and financial needs. College fit trumps prestige any day.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single path to getting into college, but there is a smart way to navigate the process. Focus on your own goals, be intentional with your time, and don’t fall for the hype. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, that’s totally normal and we can help.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
