Students (and parents) make assumptions about colleges that can influence where a student winds up going. Sometimes the assumptions are not true and can prevent students from considering a school that may be right for them.

In Looking Beyond the Ivy League, Loren Pope lists the following “Myths that Can Jinx Your College Choice”:

• An Ivy League or equivalent college will guarantee a rich, full, successful life.
• The name of the college on your diploma will determine whether you get into graduate school or do something worthwhile in life.
• Eastern institutions are better than schools in other parts of the country
• Big universities offer a broader, richer undergraduate experience with better teaching, wider course selection, and a more diverse student body.
• A college you’ve heard about is better (or at least safer) than one you haven’t.
• What your friends say about a college is a good indicator.
• The college catalog will inform you whether or not a school is right for you.
• Your college should be bigger than your high school.
• Getting more than 200 miles away from home means a costlier education and probable isolation.
• SAT scores are the most important thing. Good ones will get you in a good college and poor ones will keep you out.
• Your choice of a major will decide your career path. Therefore, you should choose a college based on the quality of that department.
• A good college is hard to get into.