Applying to college is many things, but it isn’t easy–it can be stressful, overwhelming, and time-consuming. However, keeping in mind what not to do can be just as important as knowing what to do. Avoiding the following mistakes will help simplify the college application process and allow you to invest quality time in stronger applications.
Lack of effort: This should go without saying, but admissions officers can easily tell when a student is phoning it in. Put effort into every component of your application materials, and submit everything the school asks for.
Not being authentic: Colleges want to know who you are, not just what you’ve done. All aspects of your application should give them a glimpse of who you are as a person. What will it be like sitting next to you in class? What type of roommate will you be? How will you contribute to the campus community?
Skipping essays: Even if a supplemental essay or application portion is listed as “optional,” be sure to complete it anyway–colleges often use these sections to judge applicant interest and work ethic.
Not showing interest: Being too generic or applying with an essay that could clearly be sent to any other college is a serious weakness in your application. Instead, carefully research the school, the major, and other programs and show that research in tailored and specific essays.
Not proofreading: In the stress and fatigue that often accompany the college application season, it’s easy to make mistakes on your application, whether as small as a typo or as big as writing the wrong college name. Colleges receive thousands and thousands of applications, so making mistakes is an easy way to root out applicants–so be sure to double-check everything!
Clichés: College admissions officers have seen it all, and certain tropes–such as the importance of sports in your life or, more recently, the impact of COVID-19 on your grades–are more common than others. That’s not to say to avoid these topics completely, but approach them from a different angle and be sure that they are personal to you and your growth as a person and a student.
Leaving your application until the very last minute: In addition to causing unnecessary stress, this will cause you to make some of the mistakes above. Instead, build a timeline that sees you submitting a finalized application a week or two before the deadline. Submitting early will probably lead to a stronger application than one that was thrown together at the last minute.
Not confirming that your materials have been received: After finally clicking that “submit” button, it’s tempting to assume you’re done and to wait until the college notifies you about its decision. However, you’ll want to check each college’s portal checklist to make sure that all of the pieces of your application have actually been received, even the parts that may have been up to your school to send, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Also, keep in mind that some colleges require you to submit the Self- Reported Academic Record.
Letting parents take over: Finally, don’t let your parents take the reins. You should be in charge of meeting all deadlines, ensuring that all of your materials are in, and especially, contacting colleges. Colleges aren’t impressed by parents advocating for their children and want to see you advocating for yourself throughout the process.