10 College Myths Debunked

Myth #1: Your course or major determines your career.

Reality: Not necessarily. Of course, it is best to choose your course if you know exactly what you are going to be before you go into college. Certain courses do dictate which career path you’re taking, such as law, nursing, accountancy and engineering. But don’t limit your career prospects solely based on your major. There are many other jobs you can do in relation to your course. In fact, many graduates pursue certain degrees but end up doing something else which has nothing to do with their majors at all. And most companies do not specify what degree you must have when they are hiring people for entry-level positions. Rather, they would specify the level of study required, such as bachelor’s degree, masters or PhD. Be open-minded!

Myth #2: You don’t have to go to class.

Reality: No, you have to. Your lecturers may not be taking attendance (some do) but it doesn’t mean that you can skip classes as you like. Chances are the days you decide to play hooky, your lecturers may be covering important topics or giving useful tips on which topics will be included in the final exams. You could ask your friends or check with your professor later, but it’s best that you attend classes. For one, your friends might not ask the questions you would when trying to clarify things about certain subjects or topics. Asking questions helps students to clear their doubts about topics they may not be able to digest. Furthermore, other students in the class also benefit from such Q&A sessions as they can gain additional information from their lecturers about what’s being studied, stuff that might not even be in the latest editions of the textbooks.

Another reason you have to be present consistently in classes is that if you have an unsatisfactory attendance record, the college has the right to bar you from the final exams. In other words, you are not allowed to take your final exam papers, which results in you having to re-take the same subject again in the following semester. This would definitely extend your time spent in college and you would not be able to graduate with your fellow classmates.

Myth #3: The more famous the college is, the better it is

Reality: What really matters here is not whether the college you are enrolling is well-known or little-known, but your character. Of course, studying in famous colleges increases your chances of getting hired, but bear in mind that not everyone can afford to get in. Your character is what determines your appeal in the job market. Good character traits such as persistence and perseverance can work wonders. People like to be with you, you get things done and you have higher chances of getting employed. On the other hand, a person with a bad character won’t succeed in anything he or she does. Another thing to take note of is that you don’t have to enrol in top universities to earn a degree and succeed in life. Satya Nadella, the newly-appointed CEO of Microsoft, is one fine example. He first went to the Manipal Institute of Technology before earning his double master’s degrees in the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin.

Myth #4: Grades do matter.

Reality: If you always excel in your studies, getting good grades wouldn’t be a big deal. But not everyone can score straight As or get a CGPA of 4.0. Only a minority can make the Dean’s or President’s List. If you’re not among them, fret not. Just do your best in the degree or major you’re studying for. After all, what you have to do is to pass every single subject in your course of study to earn that scroll. Besides your grades, you also have to develop your character and interpersonal skills. Employers are looking beyond paper qualifications when it comes to hiring potential employees. It depends what qualities the employers are looking for. Some employers seek for soft skills in things such as communication, analysis and leadership. So, don’t just focus entirely on academic achievement; it is equally vital to develop your soft skills too.

Myth #5: You must choose a major right away.

Reality: If you are certain what you are going to be, you will definitely choose your major straightaway, without much hesitation or consideration. However, if you’re not sure, it is better if you don’t. Deciding on a major in a haste is risky and unwise. You may be interested in the course you have registered when you first enter college, but as time goes by, you might discover that it is not your cup of tea. Studies have shown that 70 per cent of college students switch their majors at least once. If you find that the course you’re pursuing is not suitable, find out which one suits you better, rather than wasting time doing something that’s not. Take your time to seek the one major you really enjoy, so that you won’t regret it later. Don’t take too long, though – you only have a couple of years in college, so don’t waste them.

Myth #6: Teachers are smarter  than students

Reality: It is true that teachers have to be knowledgeable in the area or field they’re teaching. But, teachers aren’t always smarter than students. With technology evolving rapidly, sometimes lecturers find it difficult to keep up with the latest developments in their fields of expertise – unlike, perhaps, their technologically savvy charges. In the end, teachers may find that they may learn from their students as well.

Myth #7: Private colleges are more challenging than public ones.

Reality: No, they’re not. One obvious difference between a private and public college is in terms of tuition fees (private colleges generally cost more). It doesn’t mean that private colleges are more challenging than public ones, though. Public colleges are funded and subsidisedby the federal government while private colleges are financed through tuition, endowments and donations. But students shouldn’t assume that private colleges are more challenging based on this point. They should be checking whether the institutions, private or public, provide quality education. After all, they have to ensure that they get what they pay for.

Myth #8: The best time to visit colleges is after you get admitted.

Reality: DON’T! That’s a grave mistake. Imagine this: you submitted your application to a college you wish to enrol and you are accepted. You are very excited that you got a place in that college, but you have no idea where the college is located or what the surrounding area is like. When you get there and see that things aren’t exactly what you expected, all the excitement will soon turn into misery and nightmares. To avoid this, make an effort to check out the colleges and their surroundings first before sending in your application. If you have another chance, visit the place again after you have been admitted.

Myth #9: It gets better as you get older.

Reality: Actually, you have more responsibilities and less freedom than your juniors as you get older. And you cannot afford to be carefree and frivolous any more compared to your freshman years. You have bigger responsibilities, such as being the class representative or holding important positions in societies and clubs. Many people will be observing what you do and how you act, especially your juniors. You are the one they respect and look up to, so think twice before you act. Do not let anything silly ruin your image or reputation.

Myth #10: College isn’t the real world.

Reality: Says who? College years are vital as you’ll be spending them by yourself, without your parents at your side. You may not get used to leaving your home for the very first time and you will feel homesick in the first few weeks. But, eventually you have to learn to be independent. College life is a good platform for training and helping you live and do everything by yourself. In other words, college prepares you for the real world. But you are not alone, as your friends will help you along the way. If you are facing problems or troubles, do not be afraid to ask your friends for help – after all, they are there for you.