Myth vs. Fact

MYTH: Admissions committees seek to recruit well-rounded students.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. What they're usually looking for is a well-rounded student body comprised of students with various interests and skills. This is good news. It means you don't need a ten-page list of activities stuffed with entries like the Trampoline Club and the Polka Band. But don't cut down on your activities for fear of appearing unfocused. Believe it or not, admissions committees can differentiate between those who are trying to load up their activities sheet and those who have a sincere interest in their extracurriculars. Don't worry about joining clubs you think colleges want to see on your resume. Participate in what you're really interested in.

MYTH: The essay doesn't count for much.

FACT: Through the essay, an admissions board is able to gain an appreciation of the student's understanding of intellectual or social issues, as well as her creativity and maturity. Many colleges view the essay as a "tipper" that can affirm or negate an admissions decision. The essay is regarded as a critical aspect of admissions credentials, so you should spend considerable time developing the idea, writing, and proofing. Read more about essays.

MYTH: Applying for financial aid diminishes my chances of admission.

FACT: In an ideal world, all colleges would be need-blind, considering a student's academic and personal qualities and achievements, but not her ability to pay. Although some schools still operate under this credo, more common now is a need-aware, or need-conscious policy; few colleges now have the money to fund all of the students who qualify for need-based aid. But by not applying for aid, you may be cutting off any possible chances for admission. Read more about financial aid.

MYTH: If you are rejected from a school, that's the final word on the matter.

FACT: There are some questions about your rejection you can ask the college that can turn the situation to your advantage. Like if you really and truly believe that your application was not given full consideration or if you absolutely want to attend a specific school, you can appeal the decision. Schools often have a review process, and it will get you a second look, though it may not lead to a change in the outcome.

MYTH: If, by second semester of junior year, your GPA isn't so hot, it's too late to bring it up.

FACT: Most colleges look for a trend in high school academic performance, and they place a high importance on improvements in a student's grades in the second semester of junior year. So if your transcript to date is not stellar, it's may not be too late to bring up your GPA. Do whatever is necessary—stay in some weekends to study, go to your teachers for help, do an extra credit assignment, maybe even invest in a tutor.

MYTH: It doesn't matter when I send in my applications, just as long as it's before the deadline.

FACT: Generally, there's no disadvantage to sending your application right at the deadline, but there are pluses if you get your application in early:

If any component of your application is missing, you'll have time to get it in before it's too late.
Admissions officers become weary as the file-reading season wears on; the files that are complete and ready to be read early in the process may be reviewed more carefully when the staff is not at the edge of exhaustion.
Some institutions, including Harvard, prefer all applicants to have an interview with a staff member or a local alum. The earlier your application is received, the sooner the college can contact you about an interview.
If you get your applications completed and sent well in advance of the deadline, you avoid the stress of squeezing everything into the last minute.

MYTH: It's not a good idea to ask alums from your high school what they think of a particular college.

FACT: Enrolled students and alumni are the best source for a candid, unvarnished opinion of what the school is like and how it could serve your needs and goals. Seek out former students of your high school who went there (your guidance counselor can help you with this) or friends of your parents who graduated from there. Don't be shy about asking them the tough questions: Do you like it? ...What's it like to live there? ...Was the school helpful in finding a job? ...What are the classes like? People love to talk about their lives and their school, so most likely, the student or alum will be more than happy to answer your questions.

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	Myth vs. Fact MYTH: Admissions committees seek to recruit well-rounded students. FACT: This is not necessarily true. What they're usually looking for is a well-rounded student body comprised of students with various interests and skills. This is good news. It means you don't need a ten-page list of activities stuffed with entries like the Trampoline Club and the Polka Band. But don't cut down on your activities for fear of appearing unfocused. Believe it or not, admissions committees can differentiate between those who are trying to load up their activities sheet and those who have a sincere interest in their extracurriculars. Don't worry about joining clubs you think colleges want to see on your resume. Participate in what you're really interested in. MYTH: The essay doesn't count for much. FACT: Through the essay, an admissions board is able to gain an appreciation of the student's understanding of intellectual or social issues, as well as her creativity and maturity. Many colleges view the essay as a "tipper" that can affirm or negate an admissions decision. The essay is regarded as a critical aspect of admissions credentials, so you should spend considerable time developing the idea, writing, and proofing. Read more about essays. MYTH: Applying for financial aid diminishes my chances of admission. FACT: In an ideal world, all colleges would be need-blind, considering a student's academic and personal qualities and achievements, but not her ability to pay. Although some schools still operate under this credo, more common now is a need-aware, or need-conscious policy; few colleges now have the money to fund all of the students who qualify for need-based aid. But by not applying for aid, you may be cutting off any possible chances for admission. Read more about financial aid. MYTH: If you are rejected from a school, that's the final word on the matter. FACT: There are some questions about your rejection you can ask the college that can turn the situation to your advantage. Like if you really and truly believe that your application was not given full consideration or if you absolutely want to attend a specific school, you can appeal the decision. Schools often have a review process, and it will get you a second look, though it may not lead to a change in the outcome. MYTH: If, by second semester of junior year, your GPA isn't so hot, it's too late to bring it up. FACT: Most colleges look for a trend in high school academic performance, and they place a high importance on improvements in a student's grades in the second semester of junior year. So if your transcript to date is not stellar, it's may not be too late to bring up your GPA. Do whatever is necessary—stay in some weekends to study, go to your teachers for help, do an extra credit assignment, maybe even invest in a tutor. MYTH: It doesn't matter when I send in my applications, just as long as it's before the deadline. FACT: Generally, there's no disadvantage to sending your application right at the deadline, but there are pluses if you get your application in early: If any component of your application is missing, you'll have time to get it in before it's too late. Admissions officers become weary as the file-reading season wears on; the files that are complete and ready to be read early in the process may be reviewed more carefully when the staff is not at the edge of exhaustion. Some institutions, including Harvard, prefer all applicants to have an interview with a staff member or a local alum. The earlier your application is received, the sooner the college can contact you about an interview. If you get your applications completed and sent well in advance of the deadline, you avoid the stress of squeezing everything into the last minute. MYTH: It's not a good idea to ask alums from your high school what they think of a particular college. FACT: Enrolled students and alumni are the best source for a candid, unvarnished opinion of what the school is like and how it could serve your needs and goals. Seek out former students of your high school who went there (your guidance counselor can help you with this) or friends of your parents who graduated from there. Don't be shy about asking them the tough questions: Do you like it? ...What's it like to live there? ...Was the school helpful in finding a job? ...What are the classes like? People love to talk about their lives and their school, so most likely, the student or alum will be more than happy to answer your questions.	COLLEGE INSIDER Get tools and tips for the college admissions process! Welcome Classes of 2009—and 2010 Special resources to get the Classes of '09 and '10 started in the admissions process. Insights from a Former Ivy League Admissions Officer Parents, PTA/PTO Groups, Educators/Counselors —Learn about Kaplan's in-school test prep program.