Scary College Myths and October Tricks

October isn’t just pumpkin spice and haunted houses. For high school seniors, it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year. Early deadlines are looming, essays are being polished, and FAFSA has officially opened its portal for families. In other words: it’s the season of both excitement and anxiety.

But let’s be honest some of the scariest things students face aren’t deadlines or GPA calculators. It’s the myths and misconceptions about college admissions that seem to spread like ghost stories at a sleepover.

So in honor of spooky season, let’s shine a flashlight on some of the scariest myths out there, and share a few “October tricks” you can use to make this month less frightening.

This is perhaps the most chilling myth of all. Families imagine admissions officers demanding 4.0 GPAs, 1550 SATs, and resumes that look like a Nobel Prize submission.

Reality check: Colleges receive thousands of applications from academically strong students. What separates accepted students isn’t just their scores, but their story. Admissions officers want to know what motivates you, how you’ve grown, and what kind of energy you’ll bring to campus.

October Trick: Focus on your essays. This is your chance to pull off the mask and show the real you. Quirks, passions, and all.

Many students feel pressured to map out their entire career before they’ve even finished their driver’s license test.

Here’s the truth: A large number of college students apply as “undecided,” and plenty change their major once they’re in college. Admissions officers aren’t fortune-tellers. They don’t need you to know your exact path, they just want to see that you’re curious, open to learning, and ready to explore.

October Trick: If you’re unsure, embrace it! Frame your essay or activities around your curiosity. Show how you’ve asked questions, explored interests, or taken initiative to learn more.

Here’s one that haunts students’ calendars. Some believe they need 12 different activities to fill every line of the Common App.

The truth? Colleges don’t reward sheer quantity. They value impact and depth. Leading one project that made a difference can outweigh joining five clubs you barely attended.

October Trick: If your application list feels chaotic, highlight your top two or three activities where you had the biggest growth or made the most impact. Quality beats quantity every time.

It can feel like the faceless readers behind the screen are cold and judgmental, waiting for you to slip up.

In reality, admissions officers are human. They read thousands of essays, yes, but many root for students as they go through the process. They’re not looking for perfection; they’re looking for fit, for potential, for sparks of authenticity that remind them why they do this work in the first place.

October Trick: Write with honesty. Whether it’s your love for robotics, your obsession with poetry, or your side hustle babysitting neighbors’ kids, let it shine. Don’t try to manufacture a perfect image.

October is often the make-or-break month for seniors. Here’s why:

Early Action/Early Decision deadlines are almost always due in late October or early November. Missing these means losing your shot at early results and potential admissions advantages.
 

Recommendation letters need to be requested (and politely reminded) this month if they’re not already in. Teachers are juggling many requests, so the earlier you follow up, the better.
 

FAFSA and financial aid forms are open. The earlier you complete them, the more breathing room you’ll have come spring.
 

Essays and supplements need to be finalized. Your Common App personal statement should be in strong shape by now, and school-specific supplements should be drafted and revised.
 

Think of October as the final rehearsal before opening night. The stage is set, the lights are warming up, and it’s your moment to step forward with confidence.

So, what should families actually focus on this month? Here’s your “Halloween candy bag” of takeaways:

Don’t ghost your recommenders. Follow up with a thank-you email and any materials they might need.
 

Treat your essay like a full-size candy bar. No cutting corners. Admissions officers can tell when effort is “fun-size.”
 

Pace yourself. This process is a marathon, not a horror movie sprint. Take breaks, sleep well, and celebrate small wins.
 

Remember the bigger picture. College admissions is not about finding the “perfect” school. It’s about finding the right fit where you’ll grow and thrive.
 

October in the admissions world feels a little like a haunted house. There are bumps, scares, and surprises around every corner. But here’s the secret: once you shine a light, most of the monsters aren’t really that scary at all.

Stay focused, lean on your support team, and don’t let myths haunt your process. The best applications are equal parts brains and heart, and when you show both, you’re far more powerful than any admissions myth could ever be.

Happy haunting (and happy applying).

With gratitude and cheer,
Cleopatra Kotey (CEO)