Myths that Hold High School Students Back

by EduGuide Staff
Topics:
Choosing College, Study Skills and Academics

1. Algebra I is Algebra I.
The titles for courses vary and so does their rigor. Students who get an “A” in one Algebra I class may have missed so much that they would only score a “C” in a more challenging version of the course at the same or another school. Many students don’t find that out until they get to college and see how far behind they are.

Aside from asking local students who’ve gone on to college how they fared, how do you tell now if you’re really getting what you need? It helps if the teachers have majored in the subjects themselves and have a record of not passing everyone regardless of performance.

If the courses are marked as AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate), the content meets national standards to prepare students for college level work. Even if it’s not an AP or IB course itself, if it leads to one, chances are better it’s on track. You can see how well the school’s courses stay on track based on how many students score well enough on the course’s AP exam to earn college credit — 2-in-3 students pass on average.

2. My senior year doesn’t count.
It may count against you if you don’t stay on track. With more competition for college seats, some colleges are rejecting previously accepted students if their course load and grades decline. Senior year is the bridge you build to the rest of your life; make sure it gets you as far as you want to go.

3. I can get a good paying job out of high school.
Probably not. The fastest growing jobs require some education beyond high school. Adults with just a high school diploma are twice as likely to be unemployed as those with a bachelor’s degree.

4. I need a bachelor’s degree to get a good paying job.
A traditional four- or five-year bachelor’s degree is a good thing to have, but there’s also growing demand for a wide range of other college degrees and apprenticeship certifications that may take from one to several years to complete after high school. It depends on what you want to do. Choose your career path then choose your degree.

5. We can’t afford college.
Yes, you can. More than 70 percent of students get some form of financial aid. Almost all students can cover any additional needs they have with loans, if necessary. The military offers several ways to pay for college plus degrees you can earn while you serve. There’s lots of help available if you ask.

6. The hardest part of college is getting in.
Getting a degree is harder for most students. Almost half of students who enroll leave without finishing.

7. Everyone wants me to succeed.
Not always. Most people want to help most of the time. But you need to be committed to your own success even when others aren’t. Your friends may call you a geek. Even your teachers may sometimes seem too busy or wrapped up in rules to help. This isn’t about them, it’s about you. You’ll grow stronger by keeping faith with your dreams and working toward them every day.