As students begin submitting their university applications, many parents find themselves full of questions. From navigating international admissions to understanding the latest trends in student evaluation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. To help clarify the journey and ease common concerns, university counselors frequently host workshops and information sessions to support families during this exciting time.
Below are five of the most common myths surrounding university applications—particularly for competitive global universities—and the realities behind them.
Myth 1 – Perfect Grades Guarantee Admission
The reality: While strong grades are essential, they’re not everything. Universities, especially in countries like the United States, adopt a holistic admissions approach.
- Admissions teams want to see genuine passion for the subject area.
- Students who demonstrate leadership, initiative, dedication, and impact (often referred to as “LIDI”) stand out.
- “Demonstrated interest”—attending university events, webinars, or interviews—can also work in a student’s favor.
Myth 2 – US Universities Value Extracurriculars More Than Academics
The reality: Extracurricular activities matter, but academics still carry the most weight in the application.
- Transcripts and academic trends starting from Year 10 are key evaluation criteria.
- Students should align course selection with intended majors—for example, engineering applicants benefit from higher-level maths and science courses.
- There’s no need to do everything—students should focus on what they’re genuinely interested in and participate meaningfully.
- Athletic recruitment is a notable exception, where top-tier athletes may be scouted early by university coaches.
Myth 3 – US Universities Prefer AP Over IB
The reality: Both Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) are respected globally, and US universities are well-versed in evaluating students from either curriculum.
- The IB curriculum is widely accepted in the US and beyond, with many American high schools offering the program.
- Admissions officers receive extensive training to assess IB students effectively. The IB Extended Essay often serves as an excellent academic sample.
- Many universities award credit or placement for high IB scores—saving students both time and tuition fees.
- IB-specific scholarships are available at various institutions, further highlighting the program’s value.
Myth 4 – You Need a Private Agent to Get Into a Top University
The reality: While private agents or consultants can provide support, they aren’t necessary for admission to top universities.
- Independent counselors may offer peace of mind, but they don’t always have access to up-to-date or accurate information.
- In many cases, students who are most successful take ownership of their application process without third-party support.
- School-based university counseling teams often have direct relationships with admissions representatives and can advocate for their students more effectively.
- If families do opt to work with an external consultant, the best outcomes happen when communication is open between the student, family, school counselor, and the external advisor.
Myth 5 – University Admissions Favor Certain High Schools
The reality: Admissions officers consider the context of each student’s application—not the prestige of the school they attend.
- Universities evaluate a student’s academic achievements within the context of their school’s offerings and resources.
- What matters is how the student engaged with the opportunities available to them, not the name or location of their high school.
- Admissions teams consider socioeconomic factors, course availability, and community engagement as part of a broader review of each applicant.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how the university admissions process really works can take much of the anxiety out of what should be an exciting milestone for both students and families. Schools can best support families by offering guidance early and often—and by helping students focus on what really matters: academic growth, personal development, and finding the right-fit university where they can thrive.