Four College Myths, Busted
Don't let these four common college myths hold you back.
Some college myths are easy to look at and say, "Baloney." Nobody really expects that college is just one big party, for example, though it can be a lot of fun. And that myth about the school giving you a 4.0 for the semester if your roommate dies? Really, now.
There remain, however, a number of widely-held myths that can misguide your college career and ultimately hold you back if you let them. In the belief that forewarned is forearmed, this article offers the real story on four common collegiate fables.
Myth 1: My major will determine my subsequent career.
Like the output of many of your professors, this college myth is just so much hot air. Yes, your major is important, and it's a good idea to pick one that you think will hold you in good stead later on. However, your career is what you make of it, and it's hard to predict where you'll end up in twenty or thirty years.
Choosing a major doesn't lock you into one career. That's why you see lawyers with undergrad degrees in history, and liberal arts majors building careers in business. Or, for that matter, humble Mythbusters writers who are trained archaeologists.
Myth 2: I should pick a major based on the job market.
Don't let this college myth force you into a field that you don't like just because you think it will be profitable. In any case, this only works if you have a crystal ball that tells you exactly what's going to be needed four or five years down the road.
Besides, what about your interests, your passions? If you study what you enjoy, it'll be less like work, your grades will be easier to maintain, and you'll be able to look back on your college years with fondness. If you're honest with yourself and willing to work hard, you can build a career around any major.
Myth 3: You can't apply for scholarships once you're in school.
Not so -- but most students assume this college myth is reality, so they don't even try. You can apply for most scholarships at any time, and in fact a lot of them aren't available to high school students. Some are even specific to your major, so you can't even apply until you've picked one.
To find out the facts, visit your financial aid office and talk to the counselors about the possibilities. They may be busy during the first few weeks of the semester, but anytime thereafter you'll usually have your pick of appointments.
Myth 4: Community college isn't worth my time.
We beg to differ. First of all, education for its own sake is never wasted. Second, community college can help you step up to bigger and better things when your experience and finances allow. Famous people like the Pulitzer-prize winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, news anchor Jim Lehrer, and playwright Sam Shepard all started their formal educations in community college. Don't let this college myth shoot you down before you even get started!
