John Chopka
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Messiah University
I realize that today’s high school students are often over-committed and extra busy. With that, I must caution students to carefully consider what they include in their application materials. Some more common and easily avoidable college application mistakes include:
- Spelling and grammatical errors in applications and admission essays
- Listing the wrong college in the application materials or on the envelope
- Overestimating self-reported grades and test scores
- Having your parent or guardian fill out your college applications or write your admission essays for you
- Forgetting to sign the applications or pertinent accompanying statements and documents
In short, you need to pay attention, be honest, make sure you have all your college application materials organized, and do the work yourself.
CollegeXpress
When applying to colleges, it’s best to avoid these mistakes for a better chance at being admitted to your top-choice schools.
- Missing deadlines: College admission deadlines aren't suggestions—they’re critical. Missing one can make the difference in getting into the college of your dreams, not to mention qualifying for scholarships or certain academic programs. Send applications a couple of weeks ahead of the deadline to give you time to fix any problems if they arise.
- Sending copies or originals of achievements: The list you inevitably include in your application is usually sufficient. Schools won’t typically need proof of awards, plaques, or other tokens of participation.
- Letting your parents do it for you: College is your first step into adulthood. That starts with the responsibility of the application process. Yet admission counselors hear from concerned parents every year, making them wonder why students aren’t reaching out themselves.
- Worrying about applying to the “right” number of colleges: There is no magic number of schools you should apply to. Five to seven is reasonable, but the most important factor is if the schools on your final list meet your needs and most of your wants, ideally with a nice spread of safety, match, and reach schools. Do lots of research and be honest about which schools truly fit you.
- Asking people who don’t know you well to write recommendations: Regardless of whether they’re a state senator or the principal of your high school, colleges want to see letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your character, strengths, and interests—not an impressive name. Stick to the teachers, coaches, mentors, employers, club counselors, and clergy, just to name a few options.
- Rushing your recommendation writers: Give your references at least a month or two to prepare, and even more time if you think they’ll get a lot of requests (like coaches do). Ask potential writers in the spring of your junior year, then follow up with them during the summer or early fall of senior year. Give them the list of colleges you’re applying to, plus a copy of your résumé so they have an easy reference of everything you’ve been up to.
- Stretching the truth: Whether it’s exaggerating your involvement in an extracurricular activity or a full-on fabrication, lying on your college applications is never acceptable. Admission reps know what to look for, and if you’re caught, you can kiss your scholarships, reputation, and chances of admission goodbye.
- Forgetting to thank the people who helped you: From your high school counselor to your recommendation writers and even admission representatives at the schools you turned down, make sure you show your gratitude. A thank-you card or email at the end of the college application process is a meaningful gesture.
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