All Myths Articles

Student carrying her dorm supplies in a pink basket while moving into college.
myths

7 Myths About College Freshmen Move-In Day

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
As you get closer to your move-in day, the butterflies might be churning hard in your stomach. After all, you’re moving away from home (likely for the first time) and into your own space. You finally get to meet your roommate(s) and see if you actually get along. You have to share a bathroom with …
Students participating in a college class by raising their hands to answer the professor.
myths

5 Myths about the First Day of College

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
With all the movies, TV shows, and tall tales out there, you might have a preconceived idea of what college is like. But the truth can get a little skewed as it’s passed down the line to you, and that can lead to some unrealistic fears or false expectations. But don’t worry, we’re here to …
A high school student sitting in a classroom working on an assignment.
myths

Myth: The Second Half of My High School Senior Year Doesn’t Matter

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 26, 2024
After you submit your college applications, it can feel like it’s time to finally relax. And many do just that – they fall into the trap of feeling like the second half of their senior year in high school simply doesn’t matter. After all, the colleges have your grades, your SAT/ACT scores, your extracurriculars – …
A person holding a pencil.
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College Myth: Elite Colleges Prefer SAT over ACT

By Kali SlaymakerLast updated on December 22, 2022
The ACT vs SAT. A battle of the standardized tests. If you’re in college, thinking about college, or know anything about college- you’ve heard of them. You think they’re the same, right? Wrong. The ACT and SAT are both college entrance exams but have different components. The SAT’s test structure includes math, reading, writing and …
An empty classroom with desks, chairs and white board.
myths

Myth: My College Preparation Starts Senior Year of High School

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
Nope. The college preparation process starts the moment you enter high school as a freshman. From that point on, each grade and test score really matter, as do the specific classes you take and extracurriculars you participate in. Start Planning Early This isn’t said to overwhelm you, but rather prepare you so you can make informed …
Your college application essay doesn't have to be super serious
myths

Myth: My College Application Essay Has to Be Super Serious

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022
The college search is pretty serious, working hard to earn good grades is serious, getting accepted (or rejected) by colleges is serious, so it would make sense that people would think that the application essays would have be serious too, right? Your essay doesn’t have to be super serious. Not entirely true. While you should definitely …
Congratulations on being accepted into college! However, it was more than just your GPA and test scores that got you in.
myths

College Myth: Colleges Only Care About GPA and Test Scores

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
GPA and test scores are the most quantifiable aspects of a college application. This makes them easy to compare–and may explain why applicants tend to place so much Iemphasis on them. While these ARE important, they’re not the only things that colleges consider when reviewing your application. In fact, just consider that many schools will receive thousands …
Photograph of college mail sent to prospective students. If you're on a college mailing list, they're more likely to accept you, right?
myths

Myth: Colleges That Send Me Mail Are Likely to Accept Me

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
Many students assume the colleges which send them marketing materials in the mail are their best options. This isn’t necessarily true. In fact, some colleges send out millions of pieces of mail each year (not very targeted). Other schools only send out very little. Bottom line: being on a college mailing list does not necessarily …
Comparison showing that Cornell University and Northeastern University have similar academic profiles but much different selectivity or admissions rate
myths

Myth: I Should Go to the Most Selective College that Accepts Me

By Olivia PittmanLast updated on December 22, 2022
It’s easy to convince yourself as a college applicant that the most important characteristic of a college is its selectivity or prestige. No matter how envious your friends may be if you’re accepted into selective colleges, it doesn’t mean you’ll ultimately be happy there. Here are some of the problems with judging colleges only by …

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