Beware the Myths of the College Admissions Process!

THE COLLEGE COUNSELOR HAS TOTAL POWER AND KNOWLEDGE

The college counselor does not have a crystal ball or "connections." Advice and counsel are based on experience and training. Keep in mind that college admissions offices, and their criteria for selection, change annually.

AIM HIGH AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT REJECTION

Rejection is hard to take, and you may feel very vulnerable about the college process Rejection is a part of life, but don’t set yourself up to get clobbered

IS THE PAY-OFF: EVERYTHING COMES DOWN TO THIS

Don't make the mistake of giving an admissions office control of your self-esteem It is unfair and unrealistic to pressure yourself unnecessarily in this way While college admission is important, life is about more than the college you attend.

THE PROCESS MEANS LITTLE

The process means everything Unless you and your parents are organized, pay attention to detail, and work hard, meaningful college admissions will not be forthcoming

SENIOR YEAR DOESN’T MATTER

Senior year academic performance is very important Colleges receive grade reports at the end of the first quarter (for early applications), at the end of the first semester, and at the end of senior year. All acceptances are conditional upon successful completion of senior year coursework Any significant drop in academic performance between the time of acceptance and the end of senior year may result in a loss of acceptance

LIKELY/TARGET SCHOOLS NEED NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

This is absolutely not true. It is important to compile a balanced list: a few "Reach” colleges, some in the “Target” range, and some in the "Likely" range For admission to be attained at schools in the “Likely” range, these applications must be taken seriously

COACH WILL GET ME IN

Be skeptical. Coaches can be devoted to you, but they do not work in admissions All coaches must abide by NCAA recruitment policies Most Division III coaches may submit a list of "hoped for" athletes, but they have no guarantees

ALUMNI CONNECTION WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Very few actually do Less than 3 in 3500 (according to the most recent data provided by NACAC) have the "right" connection to ensure acceptance This may be the biggest myth

THE DECISIONS ARE RANDOM

While the reasoning behind any given decision may not be immediately evident, the decisions are based on careful consideration of both the student and the institution’s goals Colleges and universities are rarely transparent about their strategic goals and targets. This often leads parents and students to conclude that there is no logic to these decisions –in our experience, nothing could be further from the truth