College applications are perhaps one of the most crucial documents in your life. It can determine the path of your life. So, it’s critical that you follow the process thoroughly. However, mistakes are bound to happen. All we can do is try to limit it as much as possible.
The Cost of Mistakes in Your College Application
To err is human. It’s an old saying we’ve all learned as kids. It simply means that humans make mistakes and it’s pretty normal. However, you don’t want to make mistakes in crucial aspects of your life, especially when your success depends on it.
We’re talking about your college applications. If you’re starting when you should, you have no excuse to make the mistakes we’ve listed below. Let’s take a look at what they are and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Ignoring/Forgetting Deadlines
Just like everything in life, there’s a deadline for when you can submit your application. Missing application deadlines can lead to automatic rejections, severely limiting your options.
To avoid this, you should create a detailed schedule with all important dates and set reminders on your phone. Also, consider submitting your application well before the deadline so you don’t have to deal with last-minute issues. In the same schedule, keep track of deadlines for applications, financial aid, and scholarships.
The key here is to be organized so that all your hard work pays off and you don’t miss out on opportunities due to a simple oversight.
Mistake 2: A Botched Personal Statement
Your personal statement is perhaps your biggest chance to stand out from the crowd. If you submit a generic or poorly written essay despite getting a headstart, it’s only going to blend you in with other applicants.
To make sure you don’t fall prey to this, spend time crafting a unique and personal story that highlights your strengths and interests. You don’t have to write the whole thing in one sitting. Also, the first draft is not what you submit. Take time. Edit. Re-edit.
Lastly, have multiple people review your essay and provide feedback. A strong personal statement can significantly boost your chances of admission, showing the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
Mistake 3: Putting Academics on a Pedestal
While academic performance is important, colleges mostly look for well-rounded individuals. If you try to be the nerd who neglects extracurricular activities, it’ll just make your application less appealing to the board.
If you still have it, balance your time between academics and activities like clubs, sports, or volunteering. Essentially, you’re trying to demonstrate leadership and passion in these areas shows that you are a well-rounded candidate.
Mistake 4: Not Proofreading Everything
Sure, you spent a lot of time completing the application. There’s no room for errors, right?
Wrong
No matter how careful you are, you’re bound to make mistakes in the first draft. That’s where proofreading comes into play. Submitting an application with errors can make you appear careless and unprofessional.
We highly recommend proofreading your application multiple times, and if possible, ask others to review it. Small mistakes in grammar or spelling can distract from your qualifications and reduce your chances of acceptance.
Mistake 5: Being Too Generic
If you end up sending the same application to multiple colleges without customization, it’s definitely going to hurt your chances. Admissions officers typically have years of experience and they can easily spot generic applications that don’t address why you want to attend their specific institution.
Make sure you research each college and tailor your application to reflect how you would fit in and contribute to their community. This brings us to the next mistake to avoid in your college application.
Mistake 6: Not Enough Research
Applying to colleges without sufficient research can lead to poor choices. As a student, you should know what you’re getting into. Otherwise, you might end up at a school that doesn’t fit your needs or interests. Or, vice versa.
That’s why experts at Ivy League admissions consulting recommend spending time researching each college’s programs, culture, and opportunities. You should visit campuses if possible and talk to current students to understand the environment better.
Mistake 7: Missing Required Documents
College applications go in with a set of documents. To appear professional, you must submit all of them in the first go. Missing documents like transcripts or test scores can result in incomplete applications, which are often rejected.
To avoid this mistake, make a checklist of all required materials for each application and verify that everything is submitted correctly. You should also follow up with your school counselor to ensure they send your transcripts on time.
Mistake 8: Overinvolvement of Parents
Well, this might be a bummer for many of you. However, parents who are too involved in the application process actually hinder a student’s chances. Admissions officers want to see independence and self-motivation, especially when it’s an Ivy League college.
It’s still not too late for you to take the lead in your application process. You can surely seek their advice, but you must write your own essays and handle communication with colleges yourself.
Mistake 9: Lying or Exaggerating Applications
This is a big no-no. Dishonesty on your application can and will have severe consequences. These include but are not limited to immediate rejection or even revocation of admission offers. Also, education is something you don’t want to tamper with. It defeats the whole purpose.
You must always provide accurate and truthful information about your achievements and experiences. Admissions officers are very skilled at detecting inconsistencies. The time you may spend trying to fake it, spend it on actually doing it.
Mistake 10: Neglecting Financial Aids
This may not apply to every one of you if your parents are well-foo. Then again, overlooking financial aid and scholarship opportunities can make college unaffordable.
You should complete the FAFSA and research scholarships that you may be eligible for. Apply for as many as possible, as this can reduce your financial burden. Missing out on these resources can lead to increased debt or limit your college options. You don’t want to carry the student loan for years after your graduation, do you?