Dispelling 10 Myths About Applying to Universities and Colleges Abroad

MYTH #1: Schools ranked highest are the best ones.

Every ranking system uses different methods and sources. These methods affect the results. Rankings don’t necessarily consider the factors that are most important to you in selecting the best school.

MYTH #2: There’s only one school that’s the right fit for you.

Your goal should be to find the school that best fits you through exploring possibilities. Research different universities, visit schools in which you’re most interested, and take into account what aspects of these are most important to you and your family.

MYTH #3: ACT & SAT test scores are ALL that matter.

Test scores do matter for schools in the USA, but they’re only one part of the application. Practice and preparation can help improve your test scores. On the other hand, some schools are now “test-optional” if your test scores are an important factor in receiving scholarships at schools in the USA. Also, data shows that students who submit good ACT or SAT scores to competitive colleges have better chances of being admitted. Almost every year, top universities have enough applicants to fill their incoming classes with students who have perfect SAT and ACT scores and perfect high school scores.

MYTH #4: ACT & SAT test scores DON’T matter.

Although technically SAT and ACT are the only exams required by the majority of USA schools, there are subject-specific exams you can–and in some cases, are required to–sit for to boost your chances of getting into your desired school. The SAT subject tests (SAT IIs) are hour-long, subject-specific exams administered by the College Board, the same company that produces the SAT.

MYTH #5: Without a high Grade Point Average (GPA), you won’t be admitted.

Grades do matter, along with other factors, but - since grading systems vary widely - many schools consider multiple criteria in admissions.

MYTH #6: If you submit an essay with your application, it needs to be perfect.

It’s more important that your essay be a genuine reflection of yourself than you write what you think an admissions officer wants to hear. Be genuine and don’t try to appear to be someone you’re not. As Gabe Gladstein, Crimson Education’s Senior Director of Global Service Development, puts it, “Typically, the best essays are portrayals of difficult lessons learned through intimate relationships between you and someone close to you.”

MYTH #7: The lengthier your resume is, the better it looks to admissions officers.

Your resume should focus more on quality than quantity. Other considerations are showing growth over time, displaying leadership, and demonstrating what activities in your life are meaningful for you.

MYTH #8: You should know your major before you apply.

Especially at USA schools, you’re allowed to wait until your sophomore year to declare a major. You may want to choose a school with different options for you to consider.

MYTH #9: Don’t apply unless you’ve visited a school.

Don’t limit yourself to choosing only from among schools you’ve been able to visit in person. Virtual tours and email conversations with people on campus can help widen your horizons.

MYTH #10: Schools in the USA are too expensive to attend.

There is so much financial aid available in the USA that studying there can actually be cheaper than studying in your home country. Usually, the amount of aid you receive is determined by how much money your family makes. The more your family earns, the more these universities cost. Many private universities end up being cheaper than public universities due to the amount of aid the private universities can give away.  Even if you don’t get a lot of financial aid from your dream school there are still outside scholarships and loans to which you can apply to make USA schools a lot more affordable

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Final Thoughts

You’re best prepared to make choices when you have as much information at your fingertips as possible, from choosing the right school for your needs and personality to knowing what factors will make your application competitive.

Crimson Education, the world's leading college admissions counseling company, guides our students through each step in the process to help you make the best possible decisions.