Close to Home: Three myths of college applications

It's that crazy time again: college application season. Across the country, high school seniors are trying to uncover the golden ticket that will get them into their dream colleges. Unfortunately, the college admissions process just keeps getting more confusing and misconceptions of mythic proportions are continually perpetuated.

When I work with students editing their college admissions essays, one of my main objectives is to help them grasp the common denominators of college admissions. I want my students to better understand how a college thinks.

There is so much conjecture wrapped up in college admissions. So, let's separate fact from fiction. Here are three common college admission myths and the real truths behind them:

Myth No. 1: Colleges want you to be well-rounded.

You have probably heard that one of the main things colleges are looking for are students who are “well-rounded.” Not true. Colleges are looking for applicants who excel at a few things. Colleges like to see good students with commitment and continuity in their pursuits. Think about it from the colleges' perspective. Colleges recruit the best basketball player in the country because that person excels, not because he or she is “well-rounded.” This is just one specific example, but the important thing is to show dedication to your activities. It's better to excel at a couple of activities than to be a brief participator in a dozen.

Myth No. 2: I don't have enough money to go to a private college, so I will just apply to state schools.

On paper, private colleges can often look more expensive than state schools. However, many private schools have seemingly endless opportunities for financial assistance and academic scholarships. Many private colleges will work hard to make it worth your while if you are a good student. I have countless clients who have taken advantage of these opportunities and are paying less for their children to go to a private school than they would to attend a UC school.

So don't just write off a private school based on previously held misconceptions or even what is printed tuition-wise in a college's brochure. You can get an excellent education at a private or public college, but don't be scared to shop around and see what colleges can offer you. When it comes to college scholarships, it's truly a lottery these days. Don't be afraid to buy a ticket.

Myth No. 3: There's one admissions formula for every college.

You need to view colleges as businesses. Colleges are in the business of turning out successful graduates who will lead successful careers. Yet each college will weigh their applicants' requirements in a different way. Most colleges require SAT/ACT scores, though some do not. Many colleges take letters of recommendation into account, though some do not. Most colleges require essays and personal statements, though some do not. Confused?

Don't worry. Just do your research. Try to do as much homework as possible to find out what counts for the colleges you are applying to. The college application formula process is not a one-size-fits-all situation, so don't get lazy when gathering information. In the end, college admissions is a game, and you just need to play the game with as much knowledge as possible to give yourself the best chance to win.

Yes, college admissions are always changing, and it's a competitive world out there. However, do your research, shop around and apply to a wide variety of colleges. If you follow these ideas, you will have the best possible golden ticket result: great college acceptance choices.

Heather Chagnon Gruenbaum, along with her husband, David, are co-owners of Ahead of the Class in Santa Rosa. She has helped more than 1,000 students with their college application essays.