COMMON MYTHS PARENTS BELIEVE ABOUT JUNIOR COLLEGE AND POLYTECHNIC

By Good School Learning Hub

When students approach post-secondary choices, many parents rely on beliefs formed years ago or passed along by friends and relatives. These ideas are understandable, but they often no longer reflect how Junior Colleges and Polytechnics actually work today. After years of advising students and families, I’ve found that several recurring myths create unnecessary anxiety and lead to decisions based on fear rather than fit.

Myth 1: JC is always the “safer” option Reality: 

JC and Poly are designed for different learning styles. JC suits students who cope well with academic theory and high-stakes exams, while Poly suits students who thrive with applied learning and continuous assessment. “Safety” comes from choosing an environment a student can sustain, not from the pathway’s reputation.

Myth 2: Poly is less demanding than JC Reality:

Poly is demanding in a different way. While there may be fewer final exams, students manage frequent deadlines, projects, presentations, and group work. What tutors often observe is that students who lack time management or self-discipline may find Poly just as challenging as JC, if not more.

Myth 3: Choosing Poly closes doors to university Reality: 

Many Poly graduates progress to local and overseas universities each year. Pathways exist, but they require consistent performance and strong portfolios. What matters is not the starting point, but how well students engage with their course and perform over time.

Myth 4: A “good” student should go JC Reality: 

Academic ability does not determine suitability. Some strong students struggle in JC’s exam-heavy environment, while others excel in Poly’s applied setting. Success depends on learning style, motivation, and how students respond to pressure and independence—not on grades alone.