The college application is your chance to make a great impression on school admissions counselors. Here you will highlight your classes, achievements, leadership, volunteering, etc., so you don’t want silly mistakes to be what makes the impression on an admissions counselor. As you fill out the application, look out for these common mistakes.
- Misspellings. This is something easy to catch. It’s a good idea to use a Word doc to prepare everything before you copy it into the Common App. That way, you can catch most misspellings. Also, always have someone proof your writing just to have another set of eyes on it.
- Missing deadlines. It’s so important to keep track of all your deadlines as each school may have different dates for submission especially if you’re looking at early decision or early action. Keeping a calendar or spreadsheet will help you stay organized. Also, don’t want until the last minute to submit an application, since the Common App website tends to be overloaded with other last minute applicants and it could cause delays.
- Not catering your content to a specific college. This is mostly for supplemental essays as some may have similar prompts, but don’t forget to customize them and change the college name if you’re referencing it.
- Missing information. The Common App requires many documents like transcripts or letters of recommendations. You can also self submit your grades and SAT/AP scores before sending the official ones, so be sure you don’t miss adding that information in when prompted.
- Fabricating information. Don’t get caught in a lie as it may come back to you. The application is a place to highlight your authentic self and your skills.
- Ignoring optional essays. Even if it’s optional, you should complete any additional essay. That also shows your initiative and motivation as to why you could be a great fit at the college. Put in the time and effort as that shows admissions counselors that you will continue to do that if admitted.
- Not doing your research. Before you submit an application make sure you’re fully aware of what the college offers. You don’t want to mention something in your supplemental essay that doesn’t apply to the school you’re considering. That just shows you didn’t do your research before. It’s easy to go onto the college websites or social media and mention something that excited you in your essay.
- Not completing your extracurriculars. Try to use all the space available to highlight all your activities, volunteering and leadership. This is the area to show counselors what you’ve done outside of the classroom.
- Sounding cliche. Use your own words in your writing. No one wants to read overused sentences that lack originality.
- Generic essays. Your essay should tell your story that no one else can tell. Generic essays may not get the reader past the first sentence. The goal is to draw them in and keep them reading and feel like they really know you through your writing.
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