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Two women walk on the Regent campus. Learn more about myths about college.

6 Myths About College

Going to college is a big decision! With all the information about colleges out there, it can be hard to discern what’s true. However, it’s best to think ahead before deciding which college is right for you. Read on to learn myths about college.

1. College is Only for the Academic-Minded

Fact: attending college can increase your knowledge and skills.

While many of these areas of study tend to be academic, you are almost sure to find an area that serves both your interests and your unique skill set.

Through college, you can practice skills like public speaking, craftsmanship, relationship building, and more through your courses. College only being for academically-minded students is just one of the myths about college. Not everything you learn in college is from a textbook.

Regent University offers well-rounded majors in animation, theater, acting, music, leadership studies, Christian ministry, and much more! Check out Regent’s degree programs!

2. You’ll Make Friends Right Away

Fact: Strong relationships take time.

Popular media is the cause of many myths about college. Some suggest that lifelong friendships are made on the first day of class. While this may be true for some, it doesn’t accurately reflect reality.

Throughout college, you’ll develop new interests and learn more about yourself. People you were friends with during your first year might not be your closest friends once you graduate. Allow yourself the flexibility to grow into and out of friendships.

Building relationships takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you haven’t met your people right away. The key is to open yourself up to meeting new people and give yourself the opportunity to find those close friends.

3. College is Too Expensive

One of the most prevalent myths about college is that it’s too expensive and that you’ll graduate with tons of debt.

Fact: College Can Be expensive. Still, you can cut down costs without sacrificing your dream school.

Research federal, private, and institutional scholarships, grants, or loans before attending college.

Your FAFSA form can be a tremendous way to reduce college costs through loans and grants. Private scholarships and loans can have niche criteria, but that means less competition! In addition, scholarships provided by your school can further improve your financial situation.

Regent University offers numerous scholarships for merit, program-specific study, and military. Anyone can receive the assistance they need to fulfill their college education. Merit scholarships offered can add up to $36,000 depending on your high school GPA and test scores.

Regent also provides scholarships for students such as homeschooled students, private school students, military, ROTC, legacy students, and countless others. Don’t miss out on a quality education because of your finances.

4. You Need Excellent Test Scores to Get into College

Fact: Many factors contribute to the college admissions process.

Colleges have shifted from placing a high emphasis on test scores to looking holistically at you as a person.

Admission essays are the best way to give admission officers a glimpse into who you are and what you would bring to their school. A well-written essay also shows your writing intelligence and communication skills in a way that test scores can’t.

A résumé can also dramatically boost your admission chances. Taking the time to fill it with activities, jobs, and programs that will highlight your potential with the school. A résumé is like a summary of you, so be sure to take your time when describing your experiences.

5. Smaller Schools Don’t Have as Many Opportunities

Fact: Different School Sizes offer different opportunities.

While smaller schools may be lesser known, they offer their own set of unique opportunities that you may find fit you better than a larger school.

Smaller schools often have more interactive experiences in the classroom. With smaller class sizes, your voice can be heard, and professors are approachable for questions and help if needed.

With smaller schools, you can develop strong relationships with your classmates, hallmates, and anyone you meet on campus.

Small schools also offer more leadership opportunities. Group projects, small discussions, and extracurricular activities allow you to try taking the lead and working with a team.

Regent University has a total of 13,000 students both on campus and online, with under 5,000 undergraduate students attending on campus. That’s a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1. This may be the perfect size for you to achieve your education goals!

6. Online Degrees Are Not Valued by Employers

Fact: You don’t need to be in person to receive a reputable college education.

With the increasing reliance on technology, employers no longer view online education as suspicious or inferior. While there are many myths about online degrees, they’re still very valuable and offer flexibility that may suit you.

Online degrees can help you save on tuition, room and board, and other expenses. They also provide more flexibility for students who have jobs or other commitments. Regent University offers diverse, accredited online degree programs that serve thousands of students.

Learn more about what Regent has to offer and request information today!

Written by Amy Dykhuizen, student writer.