10 Things You Didn’t Know About Applying To College

You’re graduating high school, and applying to college is the next big thing in your life. They taught you everything you needed to know during those 4 intense years except…well…the things that actually matter. It’s the beginning of your adult life and you’re being thrown into the pool without a life jacket. Luckily for you, we’ve also been through that messy part of life and have learned all the ins and outs. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about applying college.

1. Apply to MULTIPLE schools

Sounds obvious right? Not always the case. Just because you really want to get into Harvard, have all the requirements including the GPA, and are captain of just about every team your school has to offer, still doesn’t mean you’ll get in. If you haven’t experienced rejection yet in high school, you’re in for a rude awakening. And just to be safe, make sure to apply to 2-3 backup schools just in case. The college application process isn’t a sure science and even the most qualified individuals sometimes get rejected.

2. Grants and loans are NOT the same thing

Many loans are cleverly disguised as grants in order to trick unsuspecting families. Grants are 100% free money that go straight to your tuition fees and you never have to pay the donor back. Loans on the other hand, is money that you will have to pay back, and often times with interest.

3. Not all loans are the same

When applying to loans, they’re not all the same. Be careful when reading the interest rates and repayment terms. Some loans require you to begin repayment as soon as you graduate (unrealistic). And some loans have astronomic interest rates that essentially double or triple your loan amount by the time you’ve paid it off (if you ever do). Be careful when reading loan applications and make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with in the long run.

4. Your degrees may go away, your loans won’t

We’re dwelling quite a bit on loans because it’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. It’s one of your most stressful and inexperienced times. Your major can change. Your degrees may change or lose in value depending on your career path. But your loans…they never go away and they never lose value. So before you take out any loans, make sure it’s a decision you can live with for a while, because you will.

5. Cost of living

Most of the time you’re looking at the cost of tuition and ignoring the actual cost of living in the city that your college/university is located. This is often a mistake students make. While looking at colleges, do a quick search of the surrounding area and calculate what it will realistically cost to live there. You might be surprised. A college that offers you 50% reduced tuition may have a high cost of living, requiring you to take a part time job just to make ends meet.

6. This may not be where you end up graduating

The college you’re applying to now may not be where you end up graduating. Most young adults change majors at least 2-3 times and you will end up transferring to another college that offers the major of study you’re seeking. This is perfectly okay and nothing to stress over.

7. You need to be selfish and think about yourself

Naturally, you’re going to choose a college that’s best for your future, not because your friends are going there. If you did in fact choose a college just because your social circle migrated there, then you need some serious self reflection. A decision that will affect the rest of your life isn’t one you should make with the influence of peer groups. You will inevitably lose friends or become distant with certain circles because of distance. And that is something you will have to accept and adapt to.

8. You will miss your family

A lot of young adults apply for a college far away because they want to get away from their family for a bit. That’s perfectly normal and fine. However, make no mistake young grasshopper, you will miss your family. No, I mean you’ll miss them A LOT.

9. It’s completely ok to go to community colleges

In many parts of the United States, going to a community college has a slight stigma. Don’t let this get to you. Community colleges are just as great of a choice and offers just as much options as well known institutions. It’s a smarter investment to get your general education credits at a local community college and then transfer to a 4 year institution later to save cost.

10. Ignore your school advisor. Ask your doctor.

If you want to be a doctor, there’s no better person to ask about college than your doctor. If you want to be a nurse, ask a nurse. Your school counselor knows the paperwork, legality, and process of college application and enrollment. But unfortunately, they don’t actually know what it’s like to study that specific major. And they’re not equipped to tell you what life would be like if you pursue your passion. I’ve never heard of a single student who regretted asking actual professionals for advice. But I’ve heard a lot of horror stories (including my own experience) of people getting the wrong advice from their counselor.