College Myths Debunked

 

By: Zachary Butler

     Every new school year, half-baked rumors swirl through the air like the sound of Mackenzie South renovations in the morning. Much like the cacophony of construction at 7 A.M. these myths make you say, “you can’t be serious!” when you hear them.

Myth: If a professor is not present within 15 minutes of a scheduled start time of a class, you  can leave without consequence. Some variations, with odd specificity, dictate that professors with lower degrees demand a shorter wait time than those with PhDs.

     Unsurprisingly, a cursory “Crtl + f” of the riveting Alfred State College Student Code of Conduct will reveal that there is no such policy on the books. Furthermore, you are required to show all professors, adjunct or tenured, due respect. 

Myth: Philosophy majors will not find jobs after college.

     At a technically oriented school it is easy to find oneself in an echo chamber of such sentiments. Though many jest that such arts degrees translate only to pizza delivery, individuals with a philosophy degree make a median salary of $60,000 according to a 2014 survey by College Board -- well above a Domino’s driver.

Myth: If your roommate dies you will receive a 4.0 grade point average for the semester.

     Ideally your graduation strategy involves studying hard and dedicating your time to learning – not a conspicuous string of unfortunate “accidents” befalling your roommates. However, if you were considering the latter after viewing your midterm grades, you will be disappointed to learn that this will only get your name on a list of prime suspects; not the Dean’s list. Again, the captivating Alfred State College Student Code of Conduct – a document with a provision specifically banning piranha from dormitories – does not include any policy for emotional restitution due to untimely roommate expiration.

Myth: Getting hit by a college bus will get you free tuition.

     Getting hit by the college bus will certainly get you a lot of bruises, but free tuition? There are no cases of a student receiving tuition payment as restitution for a campus vehicle related accident. An Ohio State University student did receive a $12,500 dollar settlement after an accident with a campus bus… less than the cost of a single semester at the school. Most scholarships require only an essay, and no bodily harm to apply for, a far superior method of funding your education.

     Curious about a college myth or legend? Let us know and we will research it and either confirm (or bust) it!