Myth # 8

I don’t need to worry about the application essay or my extracurricular activities

Many of your favorite colleges and universities have a broad educational mission: to develop the "whole student." Sharing your personal stories through an essay or a resume with your extracurricular activities is one way to represent yourself as ‘the whole student;’ for you surely are more than simply a GPA or SAT score.

When all else is equal between competing applicants, a compelling essay can make the difference. A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance for a marginal applicant. The essay is the only opportunity in a college application a student truly can have his or her voice heard. This is an opportunity to express concerns of your past and bring light to your great successes! The essay is YOU.

A college or university is going to want a student to be successful inside, as well as outside, of the classroom. This is why extracurricular involvement is a key tool in to personal development. For the majority of college and university students, involvement in extracurricular activities plays an integral role in the collegiate experience. Students become involved in extracurricular activities not only for entertainment, social, and enjoyment purposes, but most important, to gain and improve skills. Your essay and extracurricular activities are two great ways to paint your picture – the picture of the ‘whole student.’ Be sure not to let it go to waste!

          Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Myth # 7

Test scores are the most important criteria in college admission

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many college admissions officers actually say that your overall GPA is much more important that your SAT score. It makes sense, if you think about it: While your SAT score is reflective of how you did on a three-hour test, your GPA is actually the accumulation of four years of academic performance. Your performance in high school is a better predictor of college success than the standardized tests. Colleges know that. Don't leave anything to chance: Excel at school, and do well on the SAT/ACT. When both numbers are excellent, you have nothing to worry about.

Myth # 6

Schools that cost more provide a higher quality education

A big price tag does not equal happiness. College is going to be what the student makes of it. Utilizing resources, meeting new people, networking and getting involved make for the best college experiences and thus educations.  If you apply to the right schools, are open to the idea of relocating, and take advantage of grants, work-study programs, and loans, you can get a diploma for much cheaper than you realize. The idea is to walk away with your undergraduate degree and NOT be buried under a mountain of debt. Considering all different price points and researching your financial aid options well; these are the key to finding your perfect fit.

Myth #5

You have to be wealthy in order to attend college

Not true, about two-thirds of full-time undergraduate college students receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid is money that can help you pay for college. Some aid needs to be paid back or earned, and some aid is a gift. This money is available to all kinds of people. There are many colleges that provide an excellent educational experience at a price you can manage. For example, public college prices are lower than you might expect. Scholarships (free money) are awarded based on achievement, need or both. Many scholarships have other requirements — for example, they may only be offered to students who live in a certain state, are interested in a certain major or have a disability. It is best to research all of your financial aid options, before deciding a college is too expensive for you.

Mrs. Sarah Morissette, M. Ed.

Students can use Khan Academy for free SAT prep now – check out the link below for more information.

https://www.khanacademy.org/sat?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Stuff%2520you%2520might%2520like%2520After%2520Test%2520Cohort%2520Made&utm_campaign=Announcement%2520College%2520Board%2520SAT%2520Student%2520Ph1%2520New&utm_content=Final

Myth #4

Only those students from prestigious institutions gain entrance to graduate or professional schools.

Entrance to graduate or other professional schools are based on overall undergraduate performance. If a student takes advantage of the resources a college/university has to offer, he will find himself best prepared for his next phase of education. Performing at ones best is crucial, if a student wants to continue his education. Small classrooms and one on one attention from instructors are just one way to achieve this. Colleges That Change lives, http://www.ctcl.org/, have almost 100% placement into graduate programs; none of which are Ivy League schools. Making the most of your undergraduate experience is the best way to maximize your graduate or professional school opportunities.

Myth #3

If I don’t recognize the college’s name, it’s probably not a good school

Don’t forget, there are over 4,000 viable post-secondary options. 30 or more may match your exact criteria! You may not hear of many of the nation's finest colleges until you are well into your adult life. Athletics on television is how most colleges get to be known, but many colleges do not get that kind of exposure. Some of the nation's finest colleges don't play big-time athletics. Judge a college on its own merits. Don't let name recognition determine a good or bad college. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.