When it comes to college admission, many students try their best to attract the attention of admission officers. They look for advice and strategies that will help them get into a college they are desired of. However, keep in mind to differentiate between perception and reality about what actually matters. You need to know what holds true to grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, and other factors in college admission process. In this unprecedented times, things will differ in some ways from the norm.
Must-know myths about college admission
In today’s college admission process, many colleges report that they take multifaceted approach in reviewing their applicants instead of weighing the academic performance only. A holistic admissions review process is what many colleges apply nowadays. However, there are still many myths about college admission going around that make everyone believe for them to be true. Here are some of the most common of them:
It is the most important thing to get all A’s
Your grade does matter but it is not the only factor to get you into college. Many colleges also consider the courses you took based on the offerings at your high school. You may get an A in a grade-level course but you will be likely defeated by someone who has B in one of more challenging courses such as Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate.
Admission officers look for evidence that applicants can succeed in college. Hence, you may aim for balance instead by taking the more rigorous set of courses based on your abilities. The point is to challenge yourself where you are strong and work hard in all of your courses.
Test scores are the only key to successful admission
This kind of myth is still believed by many. In reality, test scores are just one element on the application package. In today’s admission process, most colleges have shifted their test policies to optional. This is partly because some admission officers realize that exam scores don’t always reflect intellectual abilities and academic strengths of applicants. It doesn’t mean you should skip tests because they will be beneficial if you plan on applying for scholarships.
More clubs and activities on your resume mean you are best candidate
When it comes to extracurricular activities, college admission officer consider quality rather than quantity. It is best to show your passion about key interests. This way, the admission officers will be able to look for depth and progressions of more valuable point such as leadership instead of just membership.
Ask recommendations from teachers who gave you an A only
It is not true that you should only ask for recommendations from teachers who gave you an A. Instead, choose teachers that can help showing different sides of you and have better understanding of who you are. Choose teachers and mentors that can give rich context to your work ethic, persistence, growth, and character. You can even choose a teacher who taught a class you thought you wouldn’t like but you did.
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