If you imagine the college application process, you might picture a scene like this: a multitude of determined kids bent on competing viciously with each other to be the last one standing in a twisted game of “survival of the fittest.”The truth is that the scene just described is much closer to The Hunger Games than the true nature of college applications. There are many misconceptions among high school students about college life and the application process. Here are a few myths that should be “busted” before you make you move into the dorm.

MYTH: “I can’t get into a top college.”

REALITY: Earlier this year, Harvard announced that it had accepted 5.9 percent of the nearly 35,000 students who applied for admission to the class of 2018. The next day, Stanford announced an even more exacting 5.07 percent admission rate, the lowest in the university’s history. Numbers like these would freak out any student applying to these schools, but it should be noted that headline low numbers are unusual even in elite schools. The reality behind the situation is that it is actually more likely for an accomplished student to get into a top college than they realize. This is because the number students should pay attention to is not the percentage of students who get into a particular college, but the percentage of those students who get into at least one top college. This number isn’t a single digit. According to The New York Times it’s actually 80%.

TIP: For those looking to apply to colleges in the future, shoot for the moon. (OK.  Keep your feet on the ground, but take a risk.)

MYTH: “I need to know my college major and career path before leaving high school.”

REALITY: If you ask  kindergartners what they want to be when they grow up, they might mention something about saving a baby from a burning building or stepping on the moon. By the time these kids enter high school, they might feel the same emotions so many teens already feel today, the anxiety and frustration of not knowing what to be passionate about. No need to worry. Once you enter college, a world of new interests and variety will be there to greet you with open arms. In fact, if your interest changes completely in your freshman year, it doesn’t have to delay your graduation or cause any stress. Many colleges allow opportunities for underclassmen to try new and different fields of study, such as taking classes graded by pass/fail. What that means is that the class is not graded by a letter system but simply whether the student passed the class or failed. This allows students to take classes they might be interested in without as much stress.  Swarthmore College has a pass/fail policy for every freshman in their first semester.  This allows for a smoother transition to the rigors of college.

TIP: Have a idea of what you’re passionate about but keep an open mind.

MYTH: “College is just 4 years.”

REALITY: In a more modern and competitive workplace many students decide to pursue more than just a bachelors degree. While this pathway isn’t for everybody the Department of Education reports that about 40% of students get a bachelors degree in four years. The truth is that you may be in school longer than you expect. Students with full time jobs often take longer to graduate and even how students schedule their classes can affect the date you walk the stage. Many avoid classes early in the morning, late at night and on Friday and students who aren’t willing to take these classes can extend their stay. Also those who switch majors too late will have to take additional classes that will end up making college more expensive.

TIP: Make sure you love the college you go to, you may stay there more nights than you expect.

MYTH: “My roommate will be my best friend.”

REALITY: The social scene at college is a new and refreshing change from high school. The University of Maryland has over 800 clubs and a new club only needs eight members to form. You may enjoy peace and quiet in the meditation club or enjoy a workout with the fencing team. These outside activities are the best way to meet new friends as best friend roommates are not common. Forms that pair students with their ideal roommates often do not work. You may mark that you go to the occasional party and then get stuck with an absolute all-night party animal. A lot of compromises will have to be made with roommates and it’s a relationship that needs even more care and attention than normal friends. After all, those dishes aren’t going to wash themselves.

TIP: Get into the rhythm of being independent before leaving Linganore. Your roommate is not going to be happy picking up your socks.