The Biggest Lies You Hear About College Admissions (and Why You Shouldn’t Believe Them)

Let’s be real: college admissions is a pressure cooker of rumors, half-truths, and downright lies. Everyone’s cousin’s best friend’s dogwalker seems to have insider advice on how to get into the most elite schools—and most of it? Total garbage.

At Top Dog, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to debunk the myths that are stressing you out. So sit back, take a deep breath, and let’s cut through the noise with some sassy truth bombs.

Lie #1: “You need a perfect GPA and test scores to get in.”

Let’s crush this myth right now. Yes, grades and scores matter. But unless you’re applying to MIT or Caltech, admissions officers aren’t looking for perfect automatons. What they really want is a story. Did you take risks? Pursue passions? Challenge yourself? Your GPA and SAT are just part of the package—not the whole deal. Remember, a 4.0 with zero personality won’t hold up against a 3.8 who spent summers building wind turbines or composing string quartets.

Lie #2: “You have to save the world by age 17.”

No, you do not need to have cured cancer, launched a nonprofit, and scaled Everest before senior year. Colleges want ambitious students, yes, but they’re also looking for potential. If your big “accomplishment” is being genuinely curious and experimenting with different interests, that’s enough. The key is connecting those interests to a bigger story about who you are. So breathe—you’re not applying to be Secretary-General of the UN just yet.

Lie #3: “You should write what the admissions officers want to hear.”

Here’s the deal: admissions officers read 40,000 essays a year. They’re not impressed by cookie-cutter “I want to change the world” essays. What gets their attention? Authenticity. Write about the real you—your quirks, struggles, obsessions. Tell them about your failed science experiment or how you learned to play the theremin. The weirder, the better. Colleges aren’t looking for the next president; they’re looking for the next you.

Lie #4: “Applying to more schools increases your chances.”

Quality over quantity, my friend. Applying to 20 schools doesn’t mean you’ll magically get accepted somewhere. Admissions is about fit, not brute force. Instead of throwing applications at the wall to see what sticks, focus on a curated list of schools where you can genuinely thrive. Bonus: a targeted approach gives you more time to craft killer essays.

Lie #5: “It’s all about extracurriculars.”

Extracurriculars are great, but they’re not the end-all-be-all. Colleges care more about depth than breadth. If you’re juggling 15 clubs but haven’t made meaningful contributions to any of them, you’re not impressing anyone. Be the kid who dives deep into one or two passions—whether it’s theater tech or marine biology—and owns it. Colleges don’t need a jack-of-all-trades; they want masters-in-the-making.

Lie #6: “You have to pick the ‘right’ major.”

Newsflash: colleges know most 17-year-olds don’t have their entire lives mapped out. Choosing a major isn’t a marriage contract. In fact, many schools encourage exploration. At Princeton, 70% of students change their major. At Dartmouth, they actually celebrate indecision (they call it liberal arts). So don’t stress—focus on showing curiosity and a willingness to grow.

Lie #7: “Private schools are always better.”

Here’s a hot take: some state schools are more competitive than Ivies. Ever heard of the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, or the University of Virginia? Public universities have incredible programs, world-class faculty, and alumni networks that rival the Ivy League—without the pretentious vibes (or the $80,000 price tag). Do your research before writing off public schools.

Lie #8: “If you don’t get into your dream school, you’re doomed.”

Rejection sucks, but let’s get some perspective: your success isn’t tied to a single school’s acceptance letter. Most successful people didn’t attend Ivy League schools. What matters is what you do with your opportunities. College is a launchpad, not a destination. Whether you’re at a big-name university or a small liberal arts college, your hustle, creativity, and resilience will define your future.

Final Thoughts

College admissions is stressful enough without buying into the lies and myths that swirl around it. Remember, the process is about finding the school that fits you—not the other way around. Stay true to your story, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to embrace your quirks.

And if you need help cutting through the noise, Top Dog is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you craft essays that make admissions officers say, “This is the one.” Let’s rewrite the rules of college admissions—together.