7 COLLEGE MYTHS DEBUNKED

College Advising ForumGeorge Washington High School

MYTH #11st period

Myth #1: I don’t have the best academic record, so I can’t get into college anyway

Reality Colleges decide whom to accept based on many

factors. While your high school grade point average (GPA) and test scores are important, colleges look beyond academics. They consider your work and athletic accomplishments, your community activities, your application essay, and your recommendation letters. Sometimes, colleges factor in which region of the country you're from to help keep their campus diversified. Instead of focusing on your GPA and test scores, show colleges that you are really motivated and ready to pursue your college education.

MYTH #22nd period

Myth #2: I can’t afford to pay for college

Reality Many students falsely believe they cannot afford

college. Nearly all students are eligible for some financial aid to pay for college. Loans, grants, tuition reimbursement, work-study, and scholarships can all make your college dreams a reality. Even if you work full-time or have existing student loans, you may still qualify for student aid.

MYTH #33rd period

Myth #3: College is harder than high school

Reality Substitute "different" for "harder" and you might just be

on to something. "College is the first time in your life when you don't have your parents breathing down your neck, forcing you to do homework or wake up on time for class," points out Haley Mancini, a sophomore at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA. The difficult part for most college students is learning how to handle the newfound freedom and responsibilities that larger class sizes, more free time, and about a million distractions bring.

MYTH #44th period

Myth #4: I must pick a major before I start college

You do not need to declare a major before you start college. Many students enter college without choosing a major. If you are undecided, take the first year to try a range of classes. Thinking about what you enjoy and careers that interest you should help narrow down your list of potential majors. Although academics and your major are very important to consider when selecting a college, they are not the only factors.

Reality

MYTH #55th period

Myth #5: Test scores are more important than my GPA

Reality Your performance in

high school is a better predictor of college success than the standardized tests. Colleges know that. That does not mean that most colleges won't look at your SAT or ACT scores. Some state institutions where they have far more applicants than they can fairly assess may use scores to determine if you are eligible.

ACT Score/ GPA Matrix

MYTH #67th period

Myth #6: I’ve been admitted to college, so I don’t need try in high school anymore

Reality Just because you got accepted to a school, it doesn’t

mean it’s time to slack off in high school. You were accepted to the school because of your strong work ethic and ability to stay focused and get good grades. If you slack off your last semester, the grades you get still effect your final GPA. Your final transcripts from high school are sent to your potential college after you get your HS diploma, so it’s important to maintain, or improve upon, the grades you’ve received throughout your academic career. Just like you, colleges can change their mind, too.

MYTH #78th period

Myth #7: The best time to visit the college is after you’re admitted

Visiting a college is a great way to get a feel for it. Visit a college before you apply and again after you've been accepted. Try to visit when classes are in session to interact with some of the professors and students. If you cannot experience the college first hand, speak with some of the college's alumni, watch videos that students post online, or explore the college's website. The more you know about the school, the more you know if it’s a right fit for you or not.

Reality

Resources

http://www.studentaid.com/planning/prepare/college-myths http://www.collegebound.net/content/article/10-biggest-college-myths-debun

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