Green Ivy has now worked with students on their college applications for over two decades, and we’ve heard our share of myths, rumors, and misconceptions about the college admissions process. To help students keep things in perspective, we wanted to write about the five myths we hear most often, and explain why they don’t hold true.
The essays don’t really matter and/or no one reads them. Given the increased volume of applications each year and the fast pace at which admissions officers have to work through them, there is a chance that if students’ scores and GPA don’t meet a school’s benchmarks, the essays won’t be read. However, personal statements and supplements are still a crucial aspect of admissions because they can tell a student’s unique story in their own voice and set a student apart. For instance, a compelling essay can tip admissions in favor of a student whose numbers are borderline or make a top student stand out from other applicants with similar grades and test scores.
Speaking of college essays, students should focus only on accomplishments and never write about failure. This one is wrong on both counts. The last thing admissions officers want is a rehash of students’ resume or activities list, as they already have that information. Also, writing about all the things they have done well doesn’t usually leave a lot of room for self-reflection or insight, which are important characteristics to showcase in application essays. In our experience, some of the most powerful essays are written about vulnerabilities or a student coped during a challenging time and experienced personal growth.
The more activities and hours of community service on the application, the better. Admissions officers and colleges value depth over breadth when it comes to a student’s extracurricular activities. We always recommend students focus on activities of personal interest, and deepening commitment to them over time.
Students are better off taking as many AP classes as they can, even if they struggle academically. This one is tricky, because it’s true that colleges like to see students challenge themselves in high school. However, if a student is struggling in more than one tough class, taking too many isn’t beneficial. Each student has to find the right balance in terms of class selection, but if you don’t feel you can get a B or better in a higher-level course, then it probably makes sense to take the regular class.
Admissions officers don’t look at applicants’ social media profiles. Actually, they do. Green Ivy founder Ana Homayoun has written extensively about this subject in The New York Times and The Washington Post, emphasizing that students’ online and in-real-lives (IRLs) are more intertwined than they may fully recognize. In 2017, a scandal involving Facebook and incoming freshmen at Harvard resulted in the university rescinding many admissions offers. Make sure the persona you are promoting online is one you want others to see.
