Don't Make These 6 Mistakes on Your College Application

When you open your college application for the first time, it's normal to feel both excitement and apprehension. Years of homework, report cards, and extracurricular involvement have led to this moment, and it’s time to present yourself to potential colleges. Filling out your college application is a big task. We know you want to do your best work and not make any “careless mistakes” along the way.

Let’s discuss common mistakes made on college applications so they don’t trip you up. After all, you’ve worked too hard to let an error make or break your college application. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see during the application process and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Procrastinating

Don’t wait until the last minute to begin filling out your application!

Procrastinating on your college applications can lead to several problems. If you start an application the day before the deadline (or worse—the day of the deadline!), you may be surprised to find application components like essays, grade reporting, or recommendation requirements that you are not prepared for and don’t have enough time to complete to the best of your abilities.

Many colleges share the same deadline dates, so waiting until the last minute could leave you with more work than you can complete. Rushed responses and overlooked details are common consequences of procrastination.

Fix It:

Set up your application early. Go through each application carefully to understand each college’s requirements and specific deadlines. Make a list of your deadlines so you know when applications are due and how many applications are due the same day. Work ahead and plan to submit each application at least a few days before the deadline.

Mistake #2: Not Doing Your Research

Answering a college’s application questions shouldn’t be your first connecting with them. It’s expected that you’ve done your homework to understand a college’s academic and campus life—especially if the college has a supplemental essay question about why you want to attend their institution or study your chosen major.

If you rely on the application alone, you may also miss important information about that college’s application process. A college’s admissions website can include more information about testing policies (like whether a college will superscore or require official score reports from the testing agency), requirements for specific majors, or opportunities to connect, like interviews.

Fix It:

When building your college list, make sure you fully understand the characteristics that make each college unique. Engage with the college through research, college visits, and social media until you can articulate why each school on your list is a good academic, social, and financial fit for you.

Reference a college’s admissions website as you complete your application. If you have questions about admissions requirements, reach out to your admissions representative so you can approach the application with confidence.

Mistake #3: Only Focusing on Academics

For colleges practicing holistic admissions, academics are only one part of the application review process. Don’t neglect non-academic sections of the application, like your essays or activity descriptions. Who you are and what you do outside of the classroom matter in this process! These are opportunities to highlight information not captured in your transcript or academic history, so don’t waste this opportunity by repeating your academic accolades again and again.

Fix It:

Your application should be a complete picture of you as an individual, and you are more than your grades or academic achievements. Your application, particularly your essays and activities, should highlight what a multi-dimensional human being you are! Your application reader will get to know you better, and your application won’t be repetitive.

Think about this: You have the chance to meet your admissions representative. They have your application file and tell you they know everything about you as a student. Then they ask, “What else do I need to know to fully understand you?”

Find a way to incorporate the answer to your question in your application!

Mistake #4: Not Giving Enough Context

On the flip side, let’s say there’s something in your academic history you wish you didn’t have to include with your application. Maybe you experienced a grade drop, or your test scores aren’t what you hoped for.

Ignoring it and hoping your application reader won’t notice isn’t the right move here.

Fix It:

Take ownership and give context. The Additional Information section of the Common App is there for students to give more information to help their reader understand the application. Perhaps the academic dip you experienced was influenced by illness, a learning difference, a situation at home, or another contributing scenario. Instead of avoiding the situation and hoping it will go away, maturely address it and provide enough context so the person reading your application can see the whole picture.

Mistake #5: Skipping Optional Sections

A lot of different parts make up a college application. Questions, essays, recommendation letters, resumes, interviews, and the list goes on. You might breathe a sigh of relief when you see that a certain part isn’t required. But before you get too relaxed, remember that you only get one chance to submit your application, and you want that application to be your best effort.

Cutting corners may save time, but it won’t benefit your application. Don’t leave anything on the table.

Fix It:

While a few things are truly optional (for example, an essay prompt asking for details about a suspension when that has never happened to you), some things are “optional.” As in “optional but strongly recommended.” As in “optional, but almost every other student applying is answering this essay question about why they want to attend our institution, and if you skip it, we may assume you don’t have an answer.”

If there is an optional opportunity that will add more context to your application, take advantage of it! Write the optional essay, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and sign up for the optional interview. We can’t say for certain whether completing an optional section of an application will be the one thing that tips the scales in your favor, but it certainly can’t hurt!

Mistake #6: Not Proofreading

Last but certainly not least… The most common mistake we see on the college application is the failure to proofread each and every application.

Submitting an application with typos can not only give a negative impression to the person reading your application, but it can also lead to much bigger problems. A misspelled email address or mistyped phone number can make it impossible for colleges to reach you if they need to. Accidentally entering 750 instead of 570 for your SAT math score provides false information that could see an acceptance revoked. Pasting the wrong supplemental essay into the incorrect college application could mean telling your dream college all the reasons you want to attend another school.

Fix It:

Luckily, this is an easy mistake to fix! Proofread!

First, take your time filling out your application. Have any necessary information (like grade history or your senior schedule) in front of you, and use proper capitalization.

Then, always review your application before you hit submit! Every time. Make sure you are actually reading it instead of just scrolling through! Pay particular attention to sections that may change from college to college (like supplemental essays or where you input test scores if you are—or aren’t—submitting them).

Bookmark this post to return to after you’ve finished filling out an application. Check that you haven’t fallen prey to any of these common pitfalls along the way. Review your application with these mistakes and their solutions in mind, and submit your best possible application!

What You Can & Can’t Control in College Admissions

As discussed in our previous blog post on Holistic Admissions, there are many complex pieces to consider in the college application process. Each college has its own unique review factors and priorities, making it challenging for students and families to predict exactly what colleges are looking for. The desire to control every aspect of the process can feel overwhelming.

In truth, having that level of control in the admissions process is impossible. While there are certain aspects of the process that students can control, others lie entirely out of their reach. By recognizing and understanding what students can and can’t control, we can reduce some of the stress of application season.

In this blog post, we will dive into the elements of the college application that students have the power to control. Additionally, we will shed light on the factors beyond a student's control. Our aim is to help students focus their energy on the areas where they can truly make a difference and let go of factors beyond their influence.

Factors Students Can Control in the College Admissions Process

The College List

No one tells you where you must apply to college (though parents may have some “strong suggestions”). Students have control over their college list. They can apply to a list of ultra-selective colleges that admit less than 10% of their applicants (please do not do this!), or they can apply to a well-balanced list of schools where they have high, medium, and low chances of admission. Students cannot control their admission decision at each school, but they can apply to a strategic and balanced list of colleges.

Academic Performance

Academic performance during high school is one of the most critical factors in the application review process. Students should challenge themselves by taking rigorous courses, explore subjects that reflect their interests, and work to maintain strong grades.

Standardized Test Scores

While many colleges now have test-optional policies, students can impact their college applications by preparing for the SAT or ACT. Students can test more than once to take advantage of a superscore across test dates. There are also a number of test prep resources (including free resources!) to help students learn content and testing strategies to improve their test scores.

Extracurricular Involvement

The college application highlights four years of extracurricular activity, and this is one area where students have almost complete control. While many students have work or family responsibilities, there is still the opportunity for students to pursue their interests in their free time. Colleges are looking for students who are genuinely interested and committed, regardless of whether it's a sports team, a debate club, volunteering at a local shelter, or participating in a cultural organization. Use your extracurricular involvement to tell a story about who you are and what matters to you.

Essays

The personal statement and supplemental essays are entirely in the student’s power. Crafting compelling and authentic application essays allows students to showcase their unique experiences. Students should take their time when writing their college application essays. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your journey and tell your story the way you want it to be told.

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations are partly within a student’s control. It’s true that someone else is writing these letters, and students waive their rights to view them as part of the application. But students have control over who they ask to represent them in the admissions process. Building strong relationships with teachers and mentors can lead to impactful letters of recommendation. Request recommendations from individuals who can highlight your skills, character, and potential to contribute positively to a college community.

Factors Students Have No Control Over in the College Admissions Process

Institutional Priorities

Colleges have specific institutional needs and priorities. We like this blog post from Georgia Tech that explains institutional priority, or IP (Georgia Tech calls them the two most important letters in college admissions). Factors such as demographics, geographical distribution, and family connections to a college (just to name a few!) play a role in their admissions decisions. Academic departments may also have specific requirements. Institutional needs are constantly changing and are rarely public knowledge. Don’t spend your time trying to predict what you think a college’s institutional priorities will be.

Competition & Numbers

College admission seems to get more competitive each year, especially at highly-selective colleges. One thing no one can control—not students and not the colleges themselves—is how many students apply each application cycle and who those students are. Application numbers swell due to large things (like a college joining The Common App or enacting a test-optional policy) and small things (like not having any additional essays or even winning an athletic championship… yes, really!). No matter how many students apply, each college only has limited spots. Many colleges could admit a qualified class of incoming students several times over from their applicant pool. With so many strong applicants, colleges often lean on things a student cannot control, like institutional priorities.

Admissions Decisions

Students can put their best foot forward, but at the end of the day, they cannot control the admissions decisions they receive from each school. Trust that you’ve done your best work throughout the application process, and trust that things will work out for you in the end.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Be Authentic

Rather than fixating on trying to predict each aspect of the college admissions process, focus on personal growth and authenticity. Pursue your passions and interests, develop intellectual curiosity, and cultivate qualities that will serve you beyond college.

Build A Balanced College List

Decide what criteria make up a strong college fit for you, and build your college list from there. Thoroughly research schools that are a strong academic, social, and financial fit for you. As you build your college list, ensure that you are applying to a balanced list of schools where you have a good chance of admission.

Seek Guidance & Support

Use your resources! Whether it’s your college consultant, your school counselor, your teachers, or other resources you have available, you don’t have to go through this process alone! Seek guidance from those who can give expert advice and support you throughout the admissions process.

As you go through the college planning and application process, it's important to focus on the factors within your control and understand those that are not. Embrace authenticity, emphasize balance, and seek out support to confidently navigate the college admissions process.

Remember, your worth extends far beyond any college admissions decision. This journey is about finding the right fit for your future aspirations and goals.

We support students through the entire process & help them present their best selves in the admission process.

What is Holistic Admissions?

When it comes to college admissions, a phrase that pops up often is “holistic admissions.” In a recent episode of our podcast, College Planning Simplified, one of my colleagues said “holistic” wasn’t in her regular vocabulary before entering the world of college admissions. Now, she uses it nearly every day. But if you aren’t a college consultant, admissions rep, or school counselor, you may not be familiar with the concept of “holistic admissions.” What exactly does it mean? How does it impact a student’s college application?

In this blog post, we'll explore how holistic admissions works, look at the factors considered during the admission review process, and provide tips for how students can maximize their application for colleges that practice holistic admissions.

WHAT IS HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS?

Holistic admissions is an approach many colleges and universities use to evaluate applicants beyond the numbers (academic achievements and test scores). Instead of reviewing applications solely focusing on GPA and an SAT or ACT score, holistic admissions takes a comprehensive look at the applicant's overall self. Their holistic self. Using holistic admissions, a college can consider various factors that demonstrate a student’s potential for success at their institution.

WHAT DO COLLEGES REVIEW IN HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS?

In holistic admissions, colleges assess applications based on a range of factors, including:

• Academics: While holistic admissions considers more than grades, a student’s academic performance still remains an essential factor in their application. Admissions offices will review the rigor of the applicant's high school curriculum, class rank (if reported), and trends in grades over time. Holistic admissions doesn’t give students an excuse to take it easy in the classroom.

• Extracurricular Involvement: Colleges value students who will positively contribute to their college community and the greater community. One way to gauge a student’s out-of-the-classroom potential in colleges is to see how that student spends their free time in high school. Extracurricular involvement is an opportunity for students to show colleges who they are, what matters to them, and how they choose to spend their time. 

• Essays: Holistic admissions places significant weight on the applicant's essays. The personal statement and college-specific supplemental essays allow students to share their unique stories and provide context to the rest of their applications. Essays let admissions offices understand the applicant's character, motivations, and perspectives.

• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other important mentors in a student’s life provide valuable insight into that student’s character, work ethic, and potential for success in college. These letters lend external support to a student’s application.

• Standardized Test Scores: Depending on a college’s testing policy, SAT or ACT scores may still be a factor in the admissions process, but they are not the sole determining factor. Holistic admissions recognizes that the numbers don’t always tell the whole story, so test scores are viewed in context with the rest of the application.

• Demonstrated Interest: Some colleges may use the amount of interest a student has shown in their institution as a factor for consideration in the admissions process. When evaluating an application, they may emphasize a college-specific supplemental essay (like a “Why Us?” essay) or note if the student applying has visited their campus or engaged in other meaningful ways.

• Other Factors: Depending on a college’s goals, policies, and priorities, other review factors may be used in holistic admissions. For example, some public universities may consider a student’s residency. Some religious institutions may ask about a student’s religious beliefs. Other colleges may consider whether a student has family members who attended that university. Other factors that complete the “full picture” of who a student is can vary by institution, so understanding their admission factors is key.

Holistic admissions also allows admissions offices to see how a student’s college application was shaped by their experiences. Knowing what special circumstances a student has faced or challenges they’ve overcome means they can be viewed as a whole person. It may provide valuable context to other parts of their application.

IS EVERYTHING WEIGHTED THE SAME IN HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS?

This is a common question that comes up when we talk with students and families about holistic admissions. Often, the underlying question is something like, “Do my grades matter less in holistic admissions?” or “If my grades aren’t as strong, can something else (like extracurriculars) make up for it?”

Short answer: Not really.

Slightly longer answer: The way that colleges practice holistic admissions can vary. Each institution has the ability to decide which review factors they weigh more heavily than others; the different review factors do not “count” equally. 

While non-academic factors matter in holistic admissions—and sometimes, they can matter a lot—academic factors like the rigor of curriculum and final grades are almost always top priority.

Again, holistic admissions means the whole student and the sum of their experiences are taken into consideration. If a student’s academic history has contributing factors, the student should make sure that context is given in the application. But it is up to each college to decide how they will evaluate the information provided.

So how do you determine which review factors are weighted more heavily than others? The college may tell you outright in an information session or on their admissions website. But if you aren’t sure, you can look up the college’s Common Data Set (Google “college name” + “Common Data Set”). A chart in section C7 shows a college’s review factors and the level of importance of each.

HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES IN HOLISTIC ADMISSIONS?

Here are some tips to maximize your chances of admission to a college that practices holistic admissions:

• Maintain a strong academic performance during high school. Students should challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, dedicate time to study, seek help when needed, and show a genuine interest in learning.

• Engage in extracurricular activities that align with interests and values. Look for opportunities to demonstrate commitment, impact, leadership, and growth. Think “quality over quantity” with extracurricular involvement.

• Write essays that tell your unique story. Use your writing to authentically showcase your perspectives, values, experiences, and personal growth. Make sure to thoughtfully answer shorter supplemental essays, especially if the question asks about your college fit or your chosen major.

• Build meaningful relationships with teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can write compelling letters of recommendation. Engage in class and activities, and let the adults in your life get to know you, your interests, and your goals. When requesting recommendations, consider which writers will add new perspective to your application or can support pieces of your story you wish to emphasize.

• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the colleges you want to attend. Experience campus either in-person or virtually. Reach out to your admissions counselor with any questions you may have during the application process. And if there is a supplemental essay question that allows you to demonstrate how and why you are a strong fit for the college, be sure to thoughtfully convey how the college’s specific programs, values, or opportunities align with your aspirations.

Need help navigating the holistic admissions process?