Dispelling the Myths About the College Selection Process

There are many myths about the college selection process, a few of which follow: 1) there is one perfect college for each student; 2) investigating colleges is an unpleasant chore; 3) a prestigious college education is a necessity for a successful career; 4) you can only afford a low-priced college; and 5) if you’ve never heard of a college, it can’t be good. These ideas frequently interfere with the primary goal of college admissions – to help students and colleges find the best possible match. We often associate exclusivity with higher value, but the fact is that “more selective” does not necessarily mean “better”. A student should not simply attend the most competitive college that accepts him or her. It is a mistake to narrow your sights to only one college, or to steer away from certain colleges because of higher costs. Keep your options open. Looking at colleges is an exciting and interesting activity that often leads to important self-discovery and new direction for the future. Let your enthusiasm and optimism shine and have fun with the process.