College Applications Mistake to avoid

Applying to College can be a daunting task, but being aware of what mistakes we can avoid in the process can actually help ease the burden for students.

Not paying attention on reading directions

Most of the cases students aren’t filling out all the required sections in the application. They are leaving blanks and those blanks make the application an incomplete one. It is advisable even if anything is optional student’s should fill out the answers to it as it could be helpful for the admissions committee to evaluate your application with those answers. 

It’s not your parents who are willing to go to college, it’s YOU so take the lead.

If a student really wants to stand out in the process, they should advocate for themselves rather than having their parents file the applications, make calls or email on their behalf. Having said that parents guidance and support is very crucial but to some limits as the admissions committee want to see students campaign for themselves.

Submitting applications and essays without proofread

While a typo here or there won’t necessarily eliminate a student from consideration but students should proofread application materials and apply the same rigor as they would to academic work.

Last minute work

Sending applications and other materials at the deadline simply questions the student’s interest. Therefore, being organised and sooner to submit everything well on time will give better admission results.

Repeating information in the application 

Make sure not to repeat any information which is there in the application already.  Even if you are uploading a resume it is advisable not to add those which are elsewhere in the application. 

Giving cookie-cutter application materials

Admissions committee is looking for originality. They want students to be themselves. They don’t need to take an idea from someone else to write their application essays.  It has to be the student’s real authentic voice. The college wants to know you.

Don’t exaggerate extracurricular activities to impress colleges 

Admissions committees absolutely look for engaged students but that doesn’t mean to involve in superficial things which you do not have interest in and doing just for the sake of showing the committee with activities.  Extracurriculars are one of the important factors but not only factors. Students should not exaggerate their activities or misrepresent themselves. 

Not checking prerequisite requirements for your intended programs in college

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.

Lastly, do not overthink the admission process.  Stay in touch with the guidance counsellors and keep working hard and smart.