🎓 5 College Buzzwords That Mislead(And What to Ask Instead)

Cut through the marketing fluff and get real answers for your teen.

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Colleges are expert marketers. They’ve got glossy brochures, cinematic drone shots, and buzzwords that sound great, but don’t always tell you what really matters.

If you’ve ever read a college website and thought, “Okay, but what does that actually mean for my kid?”  you’re asking the right question.

Here are five of the most overused college terms, and what to ask instead if you want real answers.

🏆 1. “Prestigious” — or just popular?

What it sounds like: Fancy. Impressive. Ivy-adjacent.

What it usually means: “Selective” or “long-established.” It’s about perception—not necessarily your teen’s daily life.

Instead, try asking:👉 What kind of opportunities, mentorship, research, internships does this school offer beyond the brand name?

🧠 Stat to know: A 2023 study from Opportunity Insights found that Ivy and Ivy-adjacent colleges do boost access to top jobs and grad schools, but primarily for students already on that path. For many students, long-term earnings and opportunities look similar at a range of selective schools.

💸 2. “Affordable” — but for whom?

What it sounds like: We can swing it!

What it really means: Feel-good fluff. Maybe you’ll get aid. Maybe not. Maybe it’s affordable… after scholarships you may or may not get.

Instead, try asking:👉 What’s the average net price for families with our income?

💰 Pro tip: Don’t guess, use a Net Price Calculator to see what a college is likely to cost your family. Try the College Board Net Price Calculator Hub to get started.

🔬 3. “Research University” — for faculty, or students?

What it sounds like: Cutting-edge labs! Nobel Prizes!

What it usually means: Professors do a lot of research. Undergrads? Maybe. At many large universities, students don’t get hands-on experience until junior or senior year.

Instead, try asking:👉 What research or project-based experiences can students in my teen’s major do in their first or second year?

🧪 What to know: Access to research isn’t guaranteed just because a school is called a “research university.” Ask how students—especially underclassmen—get involved. At smaller colleges like Davidson or Wooster, undergrad research is often built into the curriculum from day one.

🧍 4. “Holistic Review” — but grades still matter most

What it sounds like: They’ll see my teen as a whole person.

What it really means: Yes, they consider essays, activities, and context — but GPA usually drives the bus.

Instead, try asking:👉 How much weight do you give academics compared to everything else?

💡 Pro tip: Want to see what really matters in admissions? Google “Common Data Set + [school name]” to find how much weight each school gives to grades, essays, activities, and more.

💼 5. “Career-Ready” — with proof, or just promises?

What it sounds like: Diploma in hand, job offer waiting.

What it really means: There’s probably a career center. Maybe resume workshops. Maybe internships. Maybe not.

Instead, try asking:👉 What percentage of students in my teen’s major get internships or job offers before graduation?

📈 Pro tip: Want proof, not promises? Look up the school’s First Destination Survey — it shows what percentage of grads are employed or in grad school within 6 months. Google: “[school name] first destination survey site:.edu”

Final Thoughts

Buzzwords aren’t bad, but they’re not enough.

Terms like “prestigious,” “affordable,” and “career-ready” sound promising, but they don’t always tell the full story. That’s why families need to look past the marketing and ask sharper, more specific questions.

Focus on what really matters:

🔹 Support🔹 Fit🔹 Affordability🔹Outcomes

Questions uncover what brochures can’t. But fit isn’t just information, it’s experience. Helping your teen find their place means combining the right questions with the right visits and conversations.

The right fit starts with the right strategy.

Book a free consultation to see how I can help your teen find colleges that truly match their goals, strengths, and needs.