Applying to college is an exciting but often daunting process. It's easy to fall into the trap of making common college application mistakes, like missing deadlines or submitting generic personal statements. While not indicative of any serious personal failing, these errors can significantly impact your application's success. To help you navigate this crucial phase, we've identified the top 9 common college application mistakes and how to avoid them. At the end of this article, we’ve included a bonus tip that every student should consider using in their applications!
What Do Colleges Look For In Applicants?
Well, Colleges seek applicants with strong grades, leadership roles, impactful personal statements, meaningful volunteer work, unique talents, and a clear passion for their specific programs. Your college application should reflect these themes.
However, college admissions officers read thousands of applications each day, and often leverage shorthand tips and first impressions to score resumes and personal statements. As a result, seemingly innocuous errors can derail your ability to communicate your own strengths and passions. We’ve outlined 9 common errors and highlighted what you can do to proactively safeguard your application.
Procrastinating Application Crafting: The Risk of a Last-Minute Rush
Procrastinating on crafting your college application can lead to unnecessary stress and a rushed final product. We’ve seen how waiting until the last minute for crafting your application often results in overlooked details and missed opportunities to present oneself effectively. To avoid this risk, applicants should adopt a proactive approach to application preparation.
Treat your college application like a project with multiple phases rather than a single task to be completed all at once. Set interim deadlines for drafting, editing, and finalizing each component of your application to ensure a polished final product. Remember, early preparation not only reduces stress but also allows for greater reflection and improvement, ultimately strengthening your candidacy.
Deadline Dilemmas: The Consequences of Missing Deadlines
Missing deadlines can be a costly mistake in the college application process. Last year, my friend Sarah had her heart set on attending her dream university, UCLA. She diligently completed all aspects of her application but overlooked the submission deadline for one of the required essays. Despite her stellar academic record and extracurricular achievements, Sarah's application was rejected, almost certainly because of the missed deadline.
This experience taught us a valuable lesson: the importance of meticulous planning and time management. To avoid falling into the same trap, create a detailed timeline for each application, including specific deadlines for essays, recommendation letters, and other requirements. Additionally, we also recommend setting up reminders on your phones and calendars to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. An unnecessary reminder is always better than a missed deadline.
Submitting Incomplete Applications: The Pitfall of Unfinished Forms
Submitting incomplete applications can be a critical misstep in the college admissions process. Applying to colleges and hastily submitting an application without realizing that you overlooked a crucial section can cost you a golden opportunity. Typically, these oversights will delay your application, potentially pushing it past final deadlines.
To prevent this setback, we suggest taking a methodical approach. Develop a personalized checklist to ensure that all components of your applications are complete before submission. This checklist should include items such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and supplemental materials required by each college. Additionally, make it a habit to review your applications multiple times to catch any oversights or errors.
Lack of Research on Colleges: The Danger of Uninformed Selections
Colleges typically seek students who demonstrate a genuine interest in their institution and a strong understanding of how they can contribute to and benefit from the academic and extracurricular opportunities available. When applicants fail to research colleges adequately, their applications may come across as generic or lacking in enthusiasm, which can tank their competitiveness.
To address this shortfall, we suggest getting a detailed list of essential factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aid opportunities for each prospective college. Additionally, scheduling campus visits, attending virtual information sessions, and reaching out to university’s professors can give you firsthand insights into their experiences. Through the Admyssion platform, you can schedule personalized one-on-one consultations to address any questions you may have about the university.
Failing to Follow Instructions: The Peril of Noncompliance
Let's consider another example: Alex, an ambitious high school senior, was eager to apply to his dream college. However, in his haste to complete the application, he overlooked the specific formatting requirements for his personal statement. Despite pouring his heart into the essay, his application was sent to the reject pile without much more review.
By taking a methodical approach, using the same techniques detailed above, applicants can avoid being rejected for silly, technical reasons. However, students also must ensure their underlying application narratives stand out to university admission departments.
Conciseness is King: Avoid Overloading the Application
Overloading the application with irrelevant information is a common mistake that applicants make, often in an attempt to showcase their achievements comprehensively. However, inundating admissions officers with extraneous details can detract from the clarity and impact of the application. Universities are trying to discern the true strengths of their applicants, and often fail when there is too much noise.
To avoid this pitfall, applicants should prioritize quality over quantity when selecting which experiences to highlight. Rather than listing every extracurricular activity or award, focus on those that are most relevant to your academic and personal development. Additionally, consider how each piece of information contributes to the overall narrative of your application. A concise and focused presentation allows admissions officers to better understand your unique qualities and contributions.
Our personal suggestion to the applicants is to approach their application as a storytelling opportunity. Choose anecdotes and experiences that not only showcase your achievements but also provide insight into your character, values, and aspirations. By crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee, you can make a memorable impression and increase your chances of admission.
Embrace the Soft Stuff: Include Non-Academic Achievements
Many applicants tend to prioritize academic achievements, overlooking the rich value of extracurricular involvement. However, many admission officers that we’ve interviewed prefer non-academic activities, especially those that shape an applicant's character and contribute to their holistic development. To avoid missing out on this opportunity, we encourage applicants to reflect on their most meaningful extracurricular activities.
Instead of merely listing activities, focus on those that have left a lasting impact on your personal growth or community engagement. Imagine describing the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as you stepped onto the stage for your solo performance in the school musical, pouring your heart and soul into every note. Such moments authentically showcase your dedication and passion, providing admissions committees with a genuine glimpse into your character. Remember, it's not about the quantity but the quality of your involvement.
Avoiding Genericity: Uniqueness in Personal Essays
An admissions officer (who used to work for NYU) used to echo a common refrain about student essays. “Everyone thinks their essays are standout and brilliant, but read a thousand of them. The truth is, most essays are average. The ones that aren’t typically made me want to laugh, or cry, or both. The students who told those stories usually got admitted.”
The best essays build emotional connections with readers. Rather than simply listing achievements or reiterating well-known experiences, applicants should delve deeper into their personal journeys, sharing anecdotes and moments that have shaped their character and aspirations. Admissions committees value honesty and vulnerability in personal statements. Consider sharing personal challenges or transformative experiences that highlight your resilience and growth.
Expert’s Tip: Before finalizing your personal statement, ask yourself: Does this essay truly reflect who I am as an individual? Does it offer a unique perspective or insight that sets me apart from other applicants? Taking the time to reflect on these questions can help ensure that your personal statement is both genuine and compelling, leaving a lasting impression on admissions committees.
Maximizing Optional Sections: Enhancing Your Admission Application
Bella, a student who applied to Brown University, used the additional information section to elaborate on her extensive volunteer work. She provided detailed accounts of his leadership role in a local non-profit, where she organized a city-wide clean-up initiative, including testimony from many of her bosses and co-workers. This not only demonstrated her commitment to community service but also highlighted her organizational and leadership skills.
In your application, use the optional sections to showcase unique projects or experiences that reflect your passions and dedication. For example, if you have participated in a significant research project or a creative endeavor, this is the perfect place to discuss it in detail. Explain the scope of the project, your specific contributions, and the skills you developed through the experience.
Expert Tip: Include a portfolio or a link to an online profile showcasing your work, such as a GitHub for coding projects, an art portfolio, or a personal blog. This additional content can provide tangible evidence of your skills and dedication.
Bonus Tip: Get 1-on-1 Consultations with Professors
Well done on reading till the end! This perseverance has unlocked a bonus tip about leveraging networking to supercharge your college applications.
Navigating the college application process can be challenging, but seeking personalized guidance can make a significant difference. One of the best ways to ensure your application stands out is by getting a 1-on-1 consultation with a professor. This personalized approach allows you to clear any doubts, gain valuable insights, and receive tailored advice specific to your application needs. By investing in a 1-on-1 consultation, you not only enhance the quality of your application but also gain confidence in your submissions. This extra step can set you apart from other applicants, showcasing your commitment and thorough preparation.
At Admyssion, we specialize in connecting students with top university professors who offer personalized consultations. Our network of experienced university professors can help you understand what admissions committees are looking for, provide feedback on your personal statements, and guide you on how to highlight your strengths and achievements effectively. They can also offer insights into specific programs and colleges, helping you make informed decisions and tailor your application to each institution's unique requirements. On top of that, we are offering you a special coupon code (SUMMEROF2024) that you can use to get $50 off on your first counseling session with the professor.
