Harper College is closed Friday, July 3, for Independence Day (Observed).
You can find oceans of information out there about college: on the internet, from your high school counselor, in your mailbox, from your friends and family, on billboards, or in your email. Some of the information is good; some of it is simply not true. Here are some common college myths in circulation—and the reality behind them.
REALITY: College doesn’t have to be an all or nothing scenario. Instead of attending full-time, consider attending part-time while you work.
Before you decide against college, keep in mind that there are many resources for financial assistance including financial aid, scholarships, grants, flexible payment plans, military benefits and work-study opportunities.
Paid apprenticeships are another option for funding your education. You gain access to classroom and lab experiences plus training within a company where you work in a paid position. This on-the-job training program enables you to earn a salary, learn a career and graduate with zero debt. The types of apprenticeships available might surprise you, including finance, insurance, manufacturing, marketing, technology and health careers.
REALITY: College is more difficult than high school. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, but you need to enter college with a clear understanding of the increased workload. Most colleges offer tutoring centers and other resources to help you make a successful transition. Many colleges—Harper included—offer special classes for new students to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in college.
REALITY: Getting good grades in easy classes does not help you prepare for college. The more you challenge yourself in high school by taking tougher college prep classes, the better your chances of success in college. Colleges look for relevant coursework and grades moving in an upward direction.
REALITY: Your cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is made up of all your classes from freshman year through senior year. Let’s put this in perspective. Say your GPA for freshman year of high school was 2.0, and you want to attend a college that requires a GPA of at least 2.85. To raise your freshman 2.0 GPA to a 2.85, you would need to score higher than a 3.0 for your sophomore, junior AND senior years in high school. You’re better off starting strong than spending your high school years trying to catch up.
REALITY: The classes you take in your senior year are important in preparing you for college work. Colleges have retracted offers of admission, put students on academic probation or altered financial aid packages because of “senioritis,” or losing academic focus.
REALITY: Waiting to start college can be a good decision for many reasons, including uncertainty about what to study.
If you want to get started by taking a class or two, consider focusing on required general education courses. Even if you are still deciding what to pursue, these courses tend to be a safe bet.
For most bachelor’s degrees, you don’t have to choose a major until the end of your sophomore year. Some majors—especially career-oriented fields like engineering and design—require you to take courses in a specific order. Starting one of those majors after your freshman year can mean that it takes you longer to complete your degree. However, you can often begin taking classes in the field before you formally declare it as your major.
Always work with your college’s academic advisor to make sure you choose the correct classes, and use available career resources to help you decide. Many colleges, Harper included, provide numerous resources to help you choose a major that’s right for you.
REALITY: While you get to choose and change your major, every student pursuing a bachelor’s degree is required to complete a core set of classes known as general education requirements. These classes are an important component of your education because they help you become more broadly educated, which is important in our rapidly changing global community. If you choose to train for a specific career, your courses may have a set structure to ensure you build the skills you need when you enter the workforce.
REALITY: High school students need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before a college sends an acceptance letter. This also applies to applicants to a community college. The FAFSA is available in October each year, and you should file as early as possible to maximize your financial aid award. Pay attention to your college’s priority financial aid deadlines, which may differ from state or federal deadlines.
Submit a FAFSA even if you think you don’t qualify for federal aid. You may be surprised at what you’re eligible to receive.
REALITY: Heading straight to a four-year institution is a good option for many students, but did you know that more than 40 percent of all U.S. undergrads attend community college?* There are definite advantages to starting at a community college:
Save money: By attending a community college for your first two years, you can save thousands—often tens of thousands—on your bachelor’s degree.
Build your resumé: Starting at a community college can provide you with certifications and/or an associate degree as you work toward your bachelor’s degree. These additional credentials can help you stand out from other applicants when you start looking for a job.
Explore your options: Because of the lower tuition rate, taking classes at a community college provides you with an affordable way to try a variety of different classes before you decide on your major.
*Source: U.S. Department of Education