top college application mistakes

The 6 Most Common College Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Applying for colleges can be an overwhelming process for many students. With so much paperwork and deadlines to keep track of, it's normal for applications to be less than perfect.

We spoke with two college admissions experts to identify the most common mistakes students make on their college applications . Getting accepted on merit and work ethic alone can be difficult enough — don't let one of these six errors disqualify your application.

1. Skimping on Details

Filling out college applications is a lot of work, especially if you plan to apply to many schools . It can be easy for details to slip through the cracks and tempting to keep your application simple. But colleges need a full picture of who you are and evidence that you're serious about attending their school.

For example, when listing activities , you should also detail how you participated. It's pretty easy in high school to "join" a club but just attend the first and last meeting.

Listing things you were involved in will mean more to colleges if you detail the impact you made and how you participated. Make sure those details are accurate, too.

"Students go to school, do homework, study, eat dinner, and sleep," said Laurie Kopp Weingarten, certified educational planner and president of One-Stop College Counseling . "If you claim to have 10 hours per day of activities after school, it's not believable!"

Before you turn in your application, review it several times before submitting it. Many students accidentally use incorrect grammar or leave in the name of a different school, according to admissions experts.

2. Missing Deadlines

This may seem obvious, but missing college application deadlines is another common application mishap. The official application deadline is one of many dates students must keep track of. You'll need to meet deadlines to collect specific application materials in time, like transcripts, recommendation letters , and test scores.

Students are responsible for researching specific program dates as well.

"For example, students submitting portfolios, applying to honors colleges , or pursuing BFA programs have much earlier deadlines," said Rachel Coleman, independent education consultant and co-founder of College Essay Editor .

3. Dishonest or Negative Character

A college will deny you admittance if your application or history indicates negative character traits.

"Colleges are looking to admit students with strong character," explained Weingarten. "When reviewing an application, they don't want to see arrogance, cheating, or somebody who is not a team player. If those unappealing qualities come through in an application, the student is not going to be admitted."

This kind of mistake can manifest in your essay or written responses as well as your school record. Coleman listed things like a history of violence, plagiarism, dislike of learning, and sense of entitlement as common disqualifiers.

In your essays, make sure you aren't putting others down to build yourself up.

"We've explained to many students why the following sentence doesn't go over well: 'While my friends partied at the beach all summer, I was productive, working hard at my Carvel job,'" said Weingarten.

4. Lack of Effort

It will be clear to admissions counselors if you don't put effort into your college application. Your application should demonstrate a passion for your goals and the school you're applying to.

Admissions can tell if you put little effort into an application, miss sections, fail to edit your essay, and generally do the bare minimum to apply. For example, essay responses that don't answer the prompt or are recycled from other applications.

Be sure to submit every application material a school asks for. These materials may include recommendation letters, official transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores .

"Students don't always realize that clicking 'submit' on the Common App doesn't mean they're done!" warned Coleman.

5. Not Showing Specific Interest

Colleges want to admit students who are passionate about attending and have demonstrated that interest. Naming the wrong institution in the essay is a common mistake.

"Admissions officers have shared with us how incredibly often this happens," said Weingarten. "They will be reading a wonderful essay about why the student wants to attend Dartmouth College, and then the ending will enthusiastically declare, 'And that's why the University of Pennsylvania would be the ideal place for me to attend.'"

Similarly, essays that are intentionally vague so that they can be used for multiple applications are an obvious red flag.

"Rejected applications tend to have very general essays, i.e., essays not tailored to the specific qualities of an individual school," said Coleman.

6. Avoiding the Optional Essay

Even if a college application essay says it's optional, it's not really optional. Skipping the essay can often mean you'll be denied acceptance .

According to Coleman, this is a common ploy by colleges and universities to ascertain students' interest in the school. "[Making an essay optional] is a bit of a trick colleges play to see if the student is a hard worker, or actually wants to attend the school," she said.

If students do the bare minimum on their applications, colleges will assume they'll do the bare minimum in school.

With Advice From:

Laurie Kopp Weingarten

Laurie Kopp Weingarten is a certified educational planner and president of One-Stop College Counseling . She graduated with a BSE from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received her MBA from Harvard Business School. Laurie guides students in the eighth through 12th grade through each stage of the college admissions process, covering high school course selection, standardized tests, extracurricular activities enhancement, volunteer work, summer jobs and internships, essay topic selection, resume guidance, early decision and early action strategies, and interview prep. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Laurie is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of HECA, NACAC, NJACAC, and PACAC. She is also a proud member of the Character Collaborative.

Rachel Coleman

Rachel Coleman has worked as an independent education consultant for seven-plus years in the college admissions counseling field, helping students navigate the college application and financial aid processes. She is also the co-founder of College Essay Editor , where she loves working with college applicants not only on their applications but also on becoming better writers for life. Rachel received her BA in comparative literature from Stanford University and her college counseling certificate from UCLA . She is a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association.

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College Application Mistakes: 20 Common Errors to Avoid

By Emily Gunter

September 18, 2020

It’s college application season, and high school seniors have a lot on their plates. In addition to juggling school work, extracurriculars, and a part-time job, the college-bound 12th grader now has to find time to apply for college on top of it all.

This is a busy time in your life, and one small misstep could result in a rejection letter. While your college admission will depend on a variety of factors, there are a few common mistakes you can avoid to maximize your odds of acceptance.

Based on 28 years of experience helping students through the college admission process and advice from our college counselors, we’ve put together a list of 20 college application mistakes to avoid.

20 Common College Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. forgetting to research the college early on.

The college research process should begin as early as freshman year of high school. While you may not know exactly where you plan to attend at that point, you should still look up the admission requirements for some of your top picks.

We say this because your high school courses and grades have a heavy impact on how college admissions officers view your application. If your grades do not meet the standard, you likely will be rejected on the first round of review.

2. Blending in instead of standing out

While attending college is common these days, getting admitted to a highly competitive college is not. The top schools only accept the best and most interesting applicants, so a common high school experience often isn’t enough.

Throughout your high school years, sign up for activities that will expand your experience and help you stand out on your applications. Activities like college camps, internships, starting your own non-profit, sports, and volunteering can help enrich your experience and add depth to your college applications and essays.

3. Aiming too low on test scores

As a baseline, your test scores should at a minimum match the average test scores for students who attend the schools to which you apply. For example, the average SAT® test scores for Columbia University are in the 1450-1580 range for its current student body. So at the minimum, you’d want to aim for a 1450 score in order to maximize your chances of acceptance.

However, test scores are not the only factor that colleges will consider. Many elite colleges report that they reject a number of perfect test scores every year. You’ll want more than just a great test score if you want to attend a highly competitive college.

Some schools have also moved to “test optional” in 2020. At these schools, test scores are often still needed to determine eligibility for areas such as scholarships, competitive degree programs, and honors college placement. However, it is possible to get accepted to a test optional college without submitting a test score.

4. Not putting enough effort into grades

Test scores are important, but so are your grades. An excellent test score but a mediocre GPA can sometimes result in a rejection letter from an elite college.

Keep in mind that colleges will look deeper than just your high school GPA. If you had a high GPA but took mostly easy classes, the admissions officer will notice. If you received a B or a C in an AP calculus class, please note that the difficulty of the course will be taken in consideration when reviewing your application.

5. Selecting the wrong high school courses

Did you know that Ivy League colleges often require that a student take the most difficult high school courses available?

Colleges understand that each high school has different offerings, and they will take that into account. But if you plan to go to an elite college, you should fill your schedule with challenging coursework like AP and honors classes.

Keep in mind that the course requirements differ from major to major. If you plan to major in engineering, your coursework should reflect that you took a good number of STEM courses to prepare for college. If you plan on majoring in journalism, your transcript should show you received good grades in English classes. Colleges will want to see demonstrated expertise in coursework related to your chosen major.

6. Lack of involvement in extracurriculars

One common mistake that some students make is they spend so much time focusing on academics that they never get involved in extracurricular activities.

Colleges look for well-rounded students who have a wide range of experiences. Participating in extracurricular activities like sports and student organizations will help challenge you, expand your horizons, and teach you how to socialize with others.

Extracurriculars will come in handy when creating your college resume or applying for scholarships. Remember, colleges like to see that you stuck with your commitments rather than that you joined every club possible. Select a few extracurriculars to join and try to stay involved in them through all four years of high school if your schedule allows.

7. Picking an unoriginal essay topic

Essays are an important component of your college applications because they allow the college to get to know you in a way that is not shown in the other aspects of your application.

Choose your essay topic wisely. Try to tell your story in a unique and impactful way. Remember that some stories that may have felt life-changing to you probably happened to several other students as well.

Avoid writing about common essay topics like:

• Death of a Family Member
• Your Parent’s Divorce
• The Big Game

If you are still keen on writing about one of these topics, think deeply about how you might tell the story in an interesting way. Sometimes students start with a generic topic and discover a way to put a new spin on it, resulting in a unique essay overall.

Sometimes it helps to receive input from a college counselor when brainstorming potential essay topics. Find out how we can help with college application essays .

8. Risky content in essays

Your essay should not read like a teenage soap opera. You don’t want colleges to think that you’ll just be there for the party.

Illegal activities and intimate details about romantic relationships shouldn’t have a role in your college application essay.

For more advice on what to write about and what to avoid, read “ How to Write a College Application Essay .”

9. Coming off as arrogant in essays

Sometimes students make the mistake of thinking they need to sell themselves in order to get into that dream school. As a result, they make statements like “I was the best” or forget to give credit to others who helped them along the way.

While your application should showcase how awesome you are, you shouldn’t come right out and say it in your essay. Instead, leave it up to the admissions officer to recognize your potential.

10. Relying too much on the thesaurus

Your essays should show your personality, and you should write them using your own voice. You still want to be eloquent, but try to choose your vocabulary naturally. If you go in and replace several words using a thesaurus, you may lose clarity and your voice along the way.

11. Receiving generic letters of recommendation

Many students make the mistake of waiting until senior year of high school to start thinking about letters of recommendation .

It can take years to cultivate a meaningful relationship with a teacher that will result in an outstanding letter of recommendation. We recommend that students start trying to identify 2-3 teachers as soon as sophomore year of high school. Pay attention to the teachers that compliment you or comment on how much you’ve improved.

Before asking for a letter of recommendation, ask yourself the following questions:

• Will he or she remember me?
• Did I establish a meaningful relationship with this person?
• Do I think he or she is capable of writing a compelling letter of recommendation?
• What are some memorable moments I had with this person?

You should ask for a letter of recommendation in your spring semester of junior year at the latest. Remember, you’re not the only student applying to college in your class, so remember to ask early. Some teachers will limit the number of letters of recommendation they are willing to write in a given year.

It also helps to include some context when requesting a letter of recommendation. Remind the teacher which class you had with them or bring up a memorable moment to help jog his or her memory of you.

12. Forgetting to show why you belong

College admissions officers are looking for students who will fit in at their schools. Demonstrate interest in the school by visiting campus or sharing why you belong in your essays or during college interviews.

13. Taking the cookie-cutter approach

When answering the “Why this college” essay prompt, don’t write a generic essay where you switch out the university names for each application. This is lazy and leaves room for error. If you can swap out university names and the essay still reads the same, it’s probably not a memorable essay.

Remember to do your research and be able to distinguish one school from another. It’d be pretty embarrassing to accidentally tell the University of Texas at Austin that you can’t wait to become an Aggie.

14. Only applying to reach schools

Sometimes, a student will choose to only apply to reach schools and end up with nothing but a pile of rejection letters and a heart full of doubt.

Keep in mind that Harvard University only accepted 4.5% of the 43,330 applicants that applied in 2019. Valedictorians and students with perfect SAT® and ACT® test scores were among the vast majority of applicants that this elite college rejected.

Even with a seemingly perfect college application, there is a chance that some of the schools to which you apply will reject you. It’s pretty rare that a student gets into every college on the list.

For this reason, we recommend that students create a balanced college list to ensure the best results. You may not get into your top choice school, but you may get into multiple schools you could picture yourself attending.

15. Forgetting to submit test scores or transcript

With COVID-19 affecting whether or not students took the SAT or ACT tests this year, there have been several changes to the college admissions process. Some schools have moved to test optional, meaning students do not have to submit scores as part of their application.

However, many families are discovering that “test optional” colleges will still consider test scores when reviewing applications. This means a test score can still help a student get accepted, especially for the more selective aspects of the process such as scholarships, acceptance to competitive degree programs, honors college placement, etc.

It’s a confusing time for the college-bound senior, so we recommend reading the college admissions guidelines carefully. Make sure you follow directions and submit every piece of the application possible. This means that if a test score is optional and you have a good SAT score that could help your odds of acceptance, you should submit your score.

Don’t forget to ask your high school to send your transcript to the colleges to which you apply. Your high school counselor will have specific instructions on how to do this at your school.

16. Forgetting to apply for scholarships or fill out the FAFSA®

For many students, getting in is only half the battle. After receiving that acceptance letter, you then have to figure out how you will afford the cost of college .

Scholarships and financial aid can bring down the cost of college drastically, and some KD students obtain merit-based scholarships that cover their tuition entirely. This requires additional steps to apply and qualify for scholarships.

We also recommend that every student fill out the FAFSA, regardless of your family’s financial situation. Several factors are considered when evaluating financial need, and you may be surprised to find that you qualify for a grant or work study program.

17. Inappropriate content on social media

Did you know that college admissions officers may look at your social media profiles during the admissions process? Remember this when choosing what to post on your social profiles.

Not all college admissions officers include this in their process, and those that do usually do this to find a tie-breaker between you and another highly qualified candidate. You don’t want to lose that battle because you posted an illegal activity, hate speech, or something else inappropriate from their point of view.

Also keep in mind that colleges require students to adhere to a code of conduct. Even after your admittance, a college may penalize you if something on your social media profiles shows you breaking the rules. Bottom line: keep your social media profiles squeaky clean!

18. Too much parent involvement

You love your parents, and they just want the best for you. But if your mom or dad rewrites your college essays for you, then it’s probably time to set some boundaries.

The truth is college admissions has changed since your parents were teens . What worked for them may not work for you.

Also be mindful that admissions officers are pros at reading college essays. They will be able to tell if mom or dad wrote it.

19. Lying or exaggerating about your experience

This one’s probably a no brainer, but some students will go to great lengths to attend their dream college. Do not submit false information on your college application. Nine times out of 10, the admissions officer will see through your bluff, and it will result in an immediate rejection.

There are also legal repercussions for lying or cheating your way through the college admissions process. Recently, some celebrities have been sentenced to jail time for taking an unethical approach to getting their teens accepted to competitive colleges.

Admissions officers read college applications for a living, so it’s also easy for them to see through the fluff. Exaggerating your involvement in an extracurricular or volunteer opportunity, while less serious of a mistake than lying, can also result in a move to the rejection pile.

When it comes to college applications, honesty really is the best policy.

20. Waiting until the last minute

A well-rounded applicant is an organized person who plans ahead. So if you’re trying to communicate that you are a well-rounded, responsible applicant, do not submit your application at 11:59 p.m. on the night that it is due.

If you wait until the last minute, you’ll be rushing to get everything done on time. This results in sloppy essays and room for error when filling out the application.

Plan ahead on your college applications. We offer APPLY NOW! Boot Camps to give students a head start on their college applications. During these small group sessions, students work with our college counseling team to develop two edited essays, the Common App® and ApplyTexas® application, an edited resume, and activity list.

Need more advice for applying to college?

Our experienced college counselors will guide you through every step of the college admissions process, from deciding your college list to making your final college decision. For more information, contact a campus near you.

Emily Gunter is a marketing and communications specialist at KD College Prep.

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“ My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a  superscore ... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT ® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT ® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT ® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT ® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT ® , and ACT ® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT ® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT ® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT ® and ACT ® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well.  My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences.  My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering.  Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT ® and ACT ® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT ® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit ® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT ® /ACT ® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT ® and ACT ® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT ® /SAT ® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit ® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT ® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice

Avoid These Big College Application Mistakes

Admissions staffers from across the U.S. offer advice on what not to do when applying to college.

Spellcheck can be a valuable tool, but it's no substitute for thoroughly proofreading application materials. Getty Images

Applying to college can be a stressful process, but being aware of pitfalls to avoid can help ease the burden for students.

What are some mistakes that drive college admissions staffers crazy – and sometimes send an application to the rejection pile? Here's what admissions pros from around the country say they prefer applicants refrain from doing. 

Don't Forget to Read Directions

Experts say students should pay close attention to what schools are asking for on the application. Simply put, read and heed directions.

"In some instances, students aren't filling out all the data on the application. They're leaving blanks, so they're not necessarily answering all the questions," says Mike Perry, executive director of admission at Florida Institute of Technology .

Those blanks make for an incomplete application, Perry says, leaving colleges with only a partial picture of the applicant. He also urges students to fill out information that may be listed as optional because if a college asks for that information, it's considered helpful.

"Most colleges and universities put it on there because they want the information to help them make an informed decision. It's important to pay attention to detail and fill out all the stuff that's being requested from the college or university," Perry says.

Don't Let Parents Take the Lead

Admissions officials say parents should be actively engaged in the college application process, but that comes with limits. Parents shouldn't be filling out the application, writing the student's essay or taking control of communication with school officials.

"I think being an advocate for the student is the right role for the parent to play," says Sarah Richardson, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and director of admissions and scholarships at Creighton University in Nebraska.

She suggests parents provide guidance and support, help students keep track of application deadlines and look for scholarships . Parents may want to set a time each week to check in with their child on applications so they aren't constantly checking in, says Carlos Jiménez, CEO of nonprofit admissions consulting firm Peak Education.

And while parental advocacy is beneficial, schools also want to see students campaign for themselves.

"It's the student's process to own and the parents' process to support," Jiménez says.

Don't Turn in a Lengthy Resume

Not all colleges require students to submit a resume , but some do. Others make it optional. The Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York, for example, requires students to submit a resume that doesn't exceed two pages.

This general rule even rings true for professionals, who are also typically advised to keep a resume to two pages or less.

"Respectfully, a 17-year-old student does not need a three-page resume," Leigh Weisenburger, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid at Bates College in Maine, wrote in an email.

She adds that while some counselors may encourage students to write a resume as an organizational step, "admission officers first need and want students to fill out the college application correctly and completely."

Regardless of the extracurricular activities a student racked up in high school, experts advise applicants to keep their resume to one page.

"As we're processing all of these applications, I am reminded how far ahead the students are who simply give us what we ask for – nothing less and definitely nothing more," Thyra Briggs, vice president for admission and financial aid at Harvey Mudd College in California, wrote in an email.

Don't Submit Applications or Essays Without Proofreading

Spellcheck can be a valuable tool, but it's no substitute for thoroughly proofreading application materials.

"We still see far too many applications where the student has not necessarily taken the time to do a sufficient job of proofreading and sort of relied upon spellcheck," says Walter Caffey, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and student aid at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

Students should proofread application materials and apply the same rigor as they would to academic work.

It's good to seek outside help for proofreading, but there's a balance to strike, especially when it comes to proofreading essays , says Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education.

"Students should not have their parents or teachers do line-by-line edits," Huguet wrote in an email. "Admissions officers can spot an overly polished student from a mile away."

Additionally, edits shouldn't strip the application or essays of the student's natural and authentic voice, experts say.

"Applicants who look packaged usually do not make it into the top schools," Huguet says. "Instead, students can have a friend, or a tutor or counselor with extensive writing experience working on the college essay, review their essays for a more balanced and genuine perspective."

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Apply

If she could do the college application process over again, Siya Randhawa says she would start on certain tasks earlier. A rising sophomore at University of California, San Diego , Randhawa applied to about 25 schools and recalls the stress of waiting until the last minute to complete her essays.

Between standard Common Application essays and supplemental essays, she estimates that she wrote about 70 essays up against application deadlines.

"That not only causes a lot of stress, but in my own experience, I wasn’t able to fully reach my essay potential and craft an essay that was thoughtful," she says.

Students should also know the deadlines for various admissions plans, such as early action, early decision and regular decision. Randhawa suggests creating a timeline early in the process and sticking to it. That allows for time to complete tasks that might be more difficult.

“I thought the essays would be easy to write, but it takes a lot more thought," she says. "Those took me hours and hours."

Don't Reuse Essays

Because she waited until the last minute to complete many of her essays, Randhawa says one major mistake she made was using identical language in essays rather than tailoring her answers for each particular school.

“With some of the supplemental essays , I reused them way too much to the point where I wasn’t really answering the question," she says. "I was just doing it because I didn’t have time to write one that reflects the prompt and what I’m actually thinking of saying."

Many colleges include a supplemental essay question that asks why a student wants to attend that school. This is often one of the most fumbled questions in applications because students don't take the time to customize it to speak directly about that school, says Allen Koh, CEO of Cardinal Education, an admissions consulting firm that coaches students on completing college essays.

"So universities are wondering, ‘If I accept this student, is he or she going to come?" Koh says. "If it’s a copy-and-paste thing that could literally apply to 50 other universities, your chances are not that great."

Students should start the process early and conduct thorough research on each college, Huguet says, adding this is not an area where students can afford to take shortcuts.

"Discuss your experiences visiting classes, the campus atmosphere, the clubs you aspire to join and other pertinent aspects that illustrate your genuine interest in and understanding of the institution," he says.

Don't Give Cookie-Cutter Application Materials

A seasoned college admissions official will have read thousands of essays and can tell when a student is using a canned topic or generic language.

"The No. 1 most important concept in admissions is differentiation," Koh says. "By being unoriginal, that really does hinder you."

Much of his work involves helping students identify their unique characteristics and showcasing them in the essay and other parts of the application, Koh says.

That self-reflection can help students present themselves more fully and authentically to colleges.

"When students take the time to articulate some self-reflection, which can highlight growth and maturity, I'm assuming most colleges find that appealing," Caffey says. "And it helps to paint a more accurate picture of what that student's individual journey has been."

Don't Overdo Extracurricular Activities to Impress Colleges

College admissions officials like to see engaged students, but that doesn't mean applicants should join clubs just to pad their high school resumes.

Briggs notes that recent efforts in the admissions world have encouraged professionals to focus less "on students racking up accomplishments, activities or AP classes and more on how they impact their community and their own mental wellness."

Students also shouldn't exaggerate their activities or misrepresent themselves.

"If something is discovered that the student, or whoever submitted the application, is purposely falsifying that information, that absolutely puts an application on the bottom of the pile or may instantly render a denied admission decision," Perry says.

The "Varsity Blues" admissions scandal of 2019 represented the extreme end of such behavior with college consultants, coaches, parents and students conspiring to cheat and lie about student activities to enhance the odds of admission. The legal fallout resulted in arrests and convictions for some involved in the scheme – and expulsions for some students caught up in the highly publicized ordeal.

Randhawa says she felt pressure to fill out every box and write about every activity she was involved in. Not only was that time-consuming, but she realized it left little room to talk more in-depth about the things she really cared about.

“Try not to fill every single box. Fill things that you were passionate about and actually reflect you as a person,” she says. “Those are important things that I did realize. I made those changes before submitting and I really think that helped me in the application process.”

Don't Forget to Check Curriculum Requirements

All students should check curriculum requirements and take the corresponding high school classes to help get into their preferred program. For example, students seeking admission to engineering programs are probably going to need to take physics and calculus in high school.

Students can find program requirements on college websites, which vary somewhat by institution. If that information is not readily available on the school's website, students should consider directing curriculum questions to admissions officers.

Don't Focus Too Much on Elite Schools

Admissions pros say that many families think getting into a good school requires some type of insider knowledge, but that's not so.

"I think that there's a lot of attention paid to how to get into highly selective institutions , and those schools are pretty small in number in comparison to the opportunities available to students out there," Richardson says.

Some schools have single-digit acceptance rates. For example, Stanford University in California accepted only 4% of applicants in fall 2021.

But that's not the norm.

The national average acceptance rate at the 1,226 ranked schools that provided acceptance rate data to U.S. News was 72.5% in fall 2021. Considering nearly three-fourths of students were accepted to schools they applied to, that means plenty of colleges are open for business.

Searching for a college? Get our complete rankings of Best Colleges.

10 Steps to Choosing the Right College

College Application Process

• Avoid These College Application Mistakes
• How to Complete a College Application
• Use the Common App to Apply to College
• What Colleges Look for In An Application
• Tips for Choosing a Major

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Seven Common College Application Mistakes

From repurposed essays to college name misspellings, believe us—admissions teams have seen it all. And while these application mistakes may be common, it doesn't mean they're unavoidable. 

As you gather everything together to send yours off, keep in mind this list of the seven most common app mistakes we've seen.

• Writing a generic essay. Colleges know you're most likely applying to several schools, so be sure you're not treating each application with individual care. Read and answer prompts carefully; don't recycle an essay you've sent somewhere else...especially if it's off topic. (Struggling with your essay? Check out these college essays that worked for Siena). That said, get this: Siena’s Express Application doesn’t require an essay . More on that later!
• Forgetting to proofread. This isn't a quick text message to your buddy who will disregard your spelling errors. The admissions team will notice applications with grammar or punctuation errors, so read—and then reread—everything . Get a second (or third) eye to review anything you may have missed.
• Underemphasizing extracurriculars. Many schools weigh extracurriculars alongside grades and tests, so don't just list your activities. Here's your chance to get specific with details and make your accomplishments stand out. 
• Crossing off a college you can't afford. A little off topic, since this tip isn't about the application itself—but it's a big mistake people make during the process: don’t skip applying to a school because its tuition seems too expensive. You have options, like talking to a financial aid counselor about scholarships and aid, that make colleges much more affordable . Many students, including at Siena, don’t pay the full sticker price. (You may be happily surprised at what our Net Price Calculator shows as an estimate of your actual cost to attend Siena.)
• Lacking familiarity with the school. While we'd hope you're applying to schools you actually want to attend, don't forget to do some thorough research. Often schools have a Why do you want to attend our school? prompt, so show them you're interested in them specifically! Let them know you've visited, checked out their academic programs, etc.
• Thinking “shortcuts” will hurt your decision. Siena College is officially test-optional. And what’s more, we offer you the choice of submitting the Common Application or Siena’s Express Application—the latter of which takes about 10 minutes and (as mentioned before) doesn’t require an essay. Although these sound like shortcuts, we see them as more efficient and fair ways of helping you get your college application in and ensure applicants are on a more even playing field. Don’t dismiss these opportunities and worry that they’ll hurt your chances; they won’t!
• Applying on the deadline. While there are emergency exceptions, you'll want to avoid sending in your application on its actual due date. For one, colleges have different deadlines, so you don't want to risk confusing them and accidentally missing a deadline. Plus, if there's anything you're forgetting (like a letter of recommendation), you won't have the extra time to fill in the holes. Don't stress yourself out more than you need to; apply sooner than later.

With all that said, are you feeling like your app is in tip-top shape and clear of errors? Let Siena know you're interested…

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Admit-a-bull // official admissions blog, don't make these common college application mistakes.

By Daniel Goodson | Last Updated: Jul 21, 2022

Throughout your high school career, you’ve poured yourself into your classes, built a strong portfolio of accomplishments, and dedicated countless hours preparing for a great SAT or ACT score. The college application represents the last step in your path to college. Now that you’re so close, don’t fall victim to any of the common college application mistakes that can trip you up at the finish line.

Find out which application errors get noticed by admissions teams. Even seemingly minor, innocuous oversights can present a major threat to your chances of acceptance. From the application itself to external factors, discover how you can avoid the most common mistakes that can derail your college plans.

Applying Exclusively to Colleges Outside Your Reach

Institutions prominently feature the average test scores and GPA of their accepted students for a good reason: They want to clearly state who has the best chance of acceptance. They don’t want anyone who falls well below their average student profile to waste time and money applying, and they certainly don’t want to go to the effort of evaluating students who are unlikely to find success at their institution.

Can students who academically fall below the standard range of applicants still get in? Sure, it happens. But it’s generally a special circumstance:

• Exceptional SAT/ACT score that offsets low GPA
• Exceptional GPA that offsets low SAT/ACT scores
• Students who faced a life-changing event or major hurdles

Any of those circumstances apply to you? If you’re still dead set on attending a school that falls into the “reach” category, explain your circumstances to the admissions office in your application. Just don’t forget to apply to other colleges that are a better academic match to give yourself the best chance of acceptance somewhere else.

Displaying an Unfamiliarity With the College

Nothing turns off application evaluators like a student who clearly lacks a familiarity with their college and the application requirements. As well as failing to meet the minimum GPA and test scores, these students may exhibit a fundamental misunderstanding of many important aspects of the institution:

• Majors and concentrations available
• Student events, activities, and resources
• Surrounding community and regional culture
• Institutional interest, affiliation, or founding focus

Before offering you a spot in their class, colleges want to know you’ll be successful there. Displaying a basic unfamiliarity with their institution significantly decreases the likelihood that you’ll flourish as a student there

Submitting a Late Application

In the college admissions arena, timing is crucial. Obviously, submitting an application after the published deadline will usually get yours shuffled into the reject pile. With the exception of highly irregular circumstances, such as a global pandemic, institutions typically stick to their published deadlines.

But submitting your application just before the deadline could seriously hurt your chances of acceptance, too. Particularly for institutions with rolling admissions , applying as early as possible can give you a big leg up. These schools evaluate qualified students as they receive their applications, which means you have a greater chance to earn one of the open seats early on. As those seats fill up, your chance of acceptance dwindles.

Failing to Show Initiative and Ambition

Institutions don’t just want to see your academic abilities. They want to admit well-rounded students who possess a sense of purpose and drive. To find those students, admissions offices look for a strong list of extracurriculars :

• Student organizations and clubs
• Volunteering
• Music and/or arts involvement

Remember, colleges want to see that you exhibit maturity and commitment. A 20-item list of extracurriculars won’t do you any good if you only stuck with each one for a week. Instead, aim for a handful of commitments that you kept all four years of high school.

Didn’t have time to participate in extracurriculars due to financial or family circumstances? Make sure to note this on your application. A strong work history could also count as a justifiable extracurricular, particularly if it was for the same employer over the course of several years.

Forgetting to Submit All Required Documents

Filling out a college application is one thing. Providing all the forms and required documents is an entirely different matter, and students often forget this important step. In many cases, completing the actual application is easier than gathering the required documents:

• Standardized test scores
• Official transcripts
• Immunization records
• Proof of residency
• Proof of language ability (international students)

In addition, you must submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. Failing to complete the FAFSA by the deadline could significantly shrink your pool of available aid.

Exhibiting Maturity Red Flags

Attending college is your first big stepping stone toward adulthood. With all the newfound independence, colleges pay close attention to your level of maturity as an applicant. Even if you have an incredible academic record in high school, you may struggle without the structure and stability of living at home.

This lack of maturity may take the form of excessive parental involvement. Colleges want to know that you possess the drive to succeed on your own because mom and dad won’t be following you to campus or reminding you to study. If a parent or guardian is too involved in the application process, admission offices may have doubts. You should act as the primary point of contact with the admissions office and complete the bulk of the application on your own.

Another surefire way to sabotage your application is questionable online material. If you have public social media accounts , review your posts before college admission offices do. Profane, illegal, and vulgar posts can seriously hurt your chances of acceptance. In some cases, offers of admission have been rescinded due to controversial content. Colleges simply don’t want to take chances on students who might be an embarrassment to their institution.

Finishing Your Senior Year With a Whimper

Colleges want to see your final high school transcript to ensure that you took your grades seriously up until the very end of your senior year. Submitting an application with a significant drop in academic performance during the last few months of school signals that you’re not ready to step into a college classroom.

Colleges often base admissions decisions on patterns of behavior. A student who begins celebrating graduation early by neglecting senior year just doesn’t exhibit the dedication needed to meet the challenges of college-level courses. In addition to sinking grades, “senioritis” may be characterized by unusual amounts of tardiness, lots of absences, disengagement with previous clubs and organizations, and an excessively easy class schedule that requires minimal effort. Any of these behaviors presents a warning sign to colleges, which look for dedicated students who will enter their freshman year with the momentum of a strong senior-year performance.

Treating Your Acceptance Like a Matter of Life and Death

• Your family has a three-generation history of attending.
• You’re a diehard fan of the college’s athletic programs.
• Your best friend or significant other is attending.

There are countless reasons why you may have your heart set on a particular school, but it’s important to keep everything in perspective. You’re attending college to get a great education that leads to a rewarding career. Sure, it’s easy to get sucked into the lore and tradition of a certain institution, but you don’t need that extra pressure. Give yourself other options.

When your college prospects look bad, remind yourself that you can have an incredible experience at many other institutions. Find the school that fits your specific situation, not some dream you’ve been building in your mind.

Remember that transferring is also an option after completing a year or two elsewhere. Whether you follow a formal transfer program the university offers, like USF’s FUSE program , or you just knock out a few semesters at a local college, this is a more realistic path to acceptance than just hoping for the best.

Ignoring Help When You Need It

The college admissions process can be long, confusing, and frustrating. It demands a lot of your time and effort, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When that happens, don’t ignore your struggles. Get help.

Colleges and universities all have admissions professionals who are ready and willing to give you a hand. They were hired to support students just like you who are struggling to gather documents, access the right forms, and complete all the confusing application requirements. Seeking their support in no way reflects poorly on you, but refusing help when you need it can. If you’re preparing to apply to USF and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Office of Admissions . Our experienced team can clear up any confusion and help you submit your best possible application.

Use Our Checklist as a Quick Reference

We covered a lot of information here. If you need a quick reference guide for later, download our College Application Checklist. It provides a streamlined reminder of the most common college application mistakes that hurt your chances of acceptance.

About Daniel Goodson

Daniel Goodson is a former Content Developer for USF’s Office of Innovative Education. He enjoys helping students and their families streamline the college application process by sharing new trends that impact outreach, applying, and admissions.

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5 Critical College Application Mistakes To Avoid

Are you a high school senior applying to college? If so, you’re likely busier than ever before – and for good reason. College is a huge step in anyone’s life, and it’s important to make sure that you do everything possible to make the application process as smooth as possible. Unfortunately, though, many students make common mistakes that can doom their applications .

In this overview of mistakes made during the college application process, we will discuss some tips on how to make your application stand out . We’ll also touch on what colleges are looking for when they review applications so that you can focus on these areas. Following these best practices should give you a better chance at getting into your dream school!

Elements Of The College Application That Matter Most

Let’s begin by going through some of the elements that colleges and universities consider while evaluating your application for admittance.

When you apply to a school, there are a few key parts of your application that admission officers pay close attention to. We’ve compiled a short list of these key parts with brief explanations about why they’re significant. Keep these parts of your application in mind when considering your school options and while filling out your application:

– Your grade point value (GPA), both in the overall and weighted forms:

Your academic success is vital to your application. For most schools, the admission committee will assess both your overall and weighted GPAs to gauge how much you have strived in school thus far. GPA is one measurement the admissions team uses as a way to get a better understanding of the effort you’ve put into your studies.

– Your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT):

The SAT or ACT score is used by colleges to determine your academic potential. The higher the number, the more likely you are to be accepted into a college program. The test measures your reading, writing, and math skills. Many colleges also require SAT Subject Tests, which measure your knowledge in specific areas, such as history or science.

– The difficulty of your course load:

College admissions officials take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, and academic rigor is one of the factors they consider. When looking at your course load, they want to see that you challenged yourself by taking college-level or honors classes, rather than opting for the easiest classes available. In addition, they will also look at how well you did in those classes. A high GPA in a challenging course load shows that you are capable of succeeding academically at the college level.

– Extracurriculars and leadership positions:

College admissions officials want to see your involvement in the community and any leadership positions you may have held. This can be determined by looking at your extracurriculars and community service contributions listed on your application. By viewing the extracurriculars and contributions you have made, they can get a better idea of who you are.

– Recommendation letters from teachers or mentors:

Admissions staff want to hear from individuals who have a good understanding of you and can vouch for your character. The letters of recommendation you submitted with your application will give the admissions counselors a better understanding of you as a person and whether or not you would be a good fit for their institution.

– Your personal statement:

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your college application. It’s your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are as a person and to share your unique story. When writing your personal statement, be sure to include information about what motivates you, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and where you see yourself in the future. By sharing this information, you’ll give admissions officers a well-rounded view of who you are and why you’re a good fit for their school.

– Your college essay:

The college essay is your opportunity to show admissions committees who you are beyond your academic record and test scores. While essays can vary in length, style, and topic, strong college essays always capture the attention of the reader and leave a lasting impression. Personal essays, in particular, allow you to share your unique story and reflect on your experience, while persuasive essays allow you to build an argument and persuade the reader to see things from your perspective.

While it can be nerve-wracking to think about all of the factors that schools consider, remember that you have control over most of them! Stay positive, put your best foot forward in your applications, and trust the process.

The Basis For Application Rejection…. In Most Cases

Admissions officers at various institutions employ a variety of criteria to determine whether or not to accept or reject a student, and the factors we’ve outlined above are only a few of the evaluation components. While academic performance is the most important factor, colleges also consider other factors. Some colleges give preference to applicants who come from underrepresented groups or have demonstrated financial need. Nevertheless, there are a few elements that can automatically get your application rejected. Some of these elements are as follows :

• Incomplete applications
• Poor grades
• Unimpressive standardized test scores
• Lack of extracurricular involvement
• Bad recommendations
• Poor personal statements

With the most common reason for rejection being submitting an incomplete application, you can rest assured since this is an aspect of the college application process that you can easily avoid. Some other avoidable reasons for rejection include plagiarism, providing false information on your application, and in some cases being convicted of a felony. Therefore, it is important to be honest and diligent when completing your college application to ensure your best chance of being admitted to your dream school.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For College

1. applying mostly to reach or safety schools:.

Reach and safety schools refer to the colleges that you have the highest and lowest chance of being admitted to, respectively. When applying to colleges, you should have a healthy mix of reach, target, and safety schools. This way, you increase your chances of being accepted into at least one institution while also not putting all your eggs in one basket.

It’s always essential to have a few colleges in mind as backup choices, just in case your first pick doesn’t work out. Keep in mind that there are plenty of amazing options out there. The most important thing is finding a campus where you’ll be happy and successful – not necessarily one with a big name.

2. Failing to proofread your application materials:

Before submitting your college application, double-check it for any spelling or grammatical errors. even if you’re not the best writer, Haste makes waste so go over your essays and personal statement with a fine-tooth comb. If needed, get help from a trusted friend or family member to read through everything too. Don’t let one silly mistake stop you from getting into the school of your dreams!

3. Omitting the essay section of the application

Although it’s easy to understand why you’d want to save time, one of the most important elements of your application is this. The essay is your chance to demonstrate who you are as a person and provide the admissions committee with valuable insight into your thoughts and experiences.

4. Submitting recommendation letters from family friends instead of teachers or mentors:

While you may be tempted to ask a family friend or other person who knows you well for a letter of recommendation, it’s preferable to avoid doing so in favor of letters from instructors or mentors. Because they provide insight into your academic capabilities and potential, college admissions boards place a high value on recommendations written by teachers.

Family friends often want to help, but their letters of recommendation might not be as helpful as those from teachers or mentors. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to submit letters from teachers or mentors instead.

5. Submitting your application too late:

There are several reasons why you should submit college applications as early as possible. First and foremost, colleges generally have rolling admissions, which means they will evaluate your application as soon as it arrives. This also helps to minimize the stress associated with meeting strict deadlines at the last minute. Furthermore, if you apply early, you’ll have a better chance of being accepted and receiving financial aid from the institution. As a result, if you’re ready to start submitting college applications, do so sooner rather than later for optimum results.

What If You’ve Already Made One Of These 5 Mistakes?

Is it possible to modify your college application once it has been submitted? The answer to this question varies depending on the institution to which you applied. Some schools allow for modifications, while others do not. If you’re unsure whether you can modify your application, the best course of action is to contact the school’s admissions office. They will be able to guide you through the process.

Now that you know what not to do, apply for colleges with confidence! It’s a big step to apply to college , but if you take the time to focus on the most essential details, you’ll have an excellent experience. Make sure you avoid making these five key mistakes when applying to university and you’ll be well on your way to a successful application.

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10 Mistakes to Avoid in College Applications

Are you getting ready to apply for university? If so, one of the most important parts of the process is completing the application. Here are ten mistakes to avoid in college applications.

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Chelsea is a Student Affairs expatriate, who now works as a freelance writer and editor. She homesteads in a small town in rural Maine, USA. She enjoys hiking, fishing, cooking, reading, all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, spending time with her family, and chasing her black lab puppy, Cash.

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Most Common College Application And Research Mistakes

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