3 College Myths and Their Real Answers

By Yulia Korovikov, Swarthmore College

1.  There is only one “right fit” college for me. I have to find it and get in!

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the country, all with different academic programs, extracurricular options, and campus traditions and cultures. A school that you may have written off in 9th grade could be the perfect fit for you in 12th grade. The academic program that you were sure you were looking for as a 10th grader may no longer match your interests as you grow and change throughout high school. Consider your non-negotiables as you look at schools (financial aid, majors, location, etc.) and then keep an open mind! Apply to a range of schools where you think you’ll be happy and remember that most students are great fits for lots of schools. It’s all about what you do once you get there.

2. Colleges only care about school-based extracurriculars.

The extracurriculars section of the application is meant to give us a sense of how you spend your time outside of the classroom. In some cases, this can be strictly school-based extracurriculars like soccer or yearbook. For other students, they may be more involved in their non-school community through community-based organizations or religious spaces. Many students spend their time on family commitments, such as having a job or taking care of a family member after school. Most often, it’s some combination of all of these things. These are all meaningful ways to spend your time; list all of your extracurriculars, in-school and out.

3. I must apply somewhere early.

While some colleges offer a range of different early options, they are only that— options. The two most common options are Early Decision and Early Action. Early Decision is binding, meaning that if you’re admitted, you are committing to go to that school (unless your financial aid award doesn’t make attending that college financially feasible for you and your family). Early Action allows you to apply earlier and hear back earlier, but you aren’t “bound” to that college, leaving you the option to apply to other schools and wait to make your decision. While many colleges offer early options, not all students want or are ready to apply by the earlier deadline.

The vast majority of colleges receive most of their applications via Regular Decision and admit most of their admitted students via Regular Decision. If you have a clear top choice school that fits your personal, academic, and financial needs, and it offers an early plan, consider applying early. If you’re not ready, or you just don’t want to, that school will still be there when Regular Decision rolls around. Take your time, this is your application process.