Debunking Common Myths in the College Admissions Process

Now that the college admissions season is upon us, it's not uncommon to hear a lot of information, advice, and myths about how to secure a spot at your dream school. Rumors often run rampant, leading students and their families to agonize over decisions they simply don’t need to worry about. In this post, I'll break down some common myths in the admissions process and shed some light on what matters to college admissions offices.

 Myth 1: Colleges and Universities Have Quotas

The one that I hear most often is “I know school X has a quota of students they can accept from county Y.” So many families assume that institutions admit a maximum number of students from a particular county, high school, or state. However, in my nearly 20 years of college admissions, I have never known of a college to employ quotas.

While colleges do set specific goals for themselves, such as increasing diversity or admitting more first-generation college students, these targets are not the same as quotas. These goals are intended to foster diversity and meet institutional objectives, not to limit the number of students admitted from a specific region.

Myth 2: There's a Magic Combination of Courses, Credits, and Extracurriculars

This one is more for the parents. Parents often stress over finding the perfect combination of courses, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, and extracurricular activities that colleges are supposedly looking for. Colleges want students to challenge themselves but don’t overdo it. A “C” in an AP class does not look as good as an “A” in an honors class. And if you find yourself asking, “Would school X rather see AP Physics or AP Enviro Science on my transcript because only one will fit?!” Their question back to you will be, “Which course are YOU most interested in?”   

Colleges don't have a fixed checklist of courses or activities they expect every applicant to complete. Instead, they seek students who have pursued their passions and demonstrated dedication, regardless of whether those passions lie in physics, environmental science, or other fields. Simply put, choose what works best for you and what genuinely interests you.

Myth 3: You Should Tell Colleges What They Want to Hear

I’ve worked with students who have said, “I’ll write this because they [the admissions office] will probably want to hear that.” Admissions officers are not looking for students to tell them what they think, they’ll want to hear; they can spot insincerity a mile away. Authenticity is key! Be yourself in your application. If you're funny, be funny. If you’re creative, write a poem to answer a question instead of an essay. This is your admissions process and you want to put as much of yourself into it as you can. 

So, rather than trying to craft an image of what you think admissions officers want, focus on presenting your genuine self. The written portion is your opportunity to shine and show the unique qualities and experiences that make you stand out.  

Myth 4: You Need to Be Well-Rounded

There's a misconception that colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants, who excel in academics, sports, arts, and community service all at once. Guess what? Colleges aren't aiming to admit a class where every student is well-rounded; the goal is to bring in a well-rounded class.

Well, what’s the difference? A student who’s passionate about science and research does not need to go out for the football team if their accomplishments are in the classroom. On the contrary, if sports are your passion, no need to join the Chess Club if you have other activities tied to your love of sports. If you're passionate about a particular area, it's perfectly acceptable to focus on that passion. You don't need to join clubs or pursue activities outside your interests just for the sake of appearing well-rounded. Colleges value depth and commitment in your chosen areas of interest.

In Conclusion…

As you navigate the college admissions process, don't let common misconceptions complicate your journey. Instead, focus on being true to yourself, pursuing your passions, and presenting an authentic application that reflects who you are. Ultimately, colleges are looking for diverse and dedicated individuals who will contribute positively to their communities, and your genuine self is your best asset in this journey.