Mistakes to Avoid on College Applications
- Misspellings and grammatical errors – This is a big pet peeve of college admissions staff. If you misspell on something as important as the application, it shows that either you don’t care or you aren’t good at spelling.
- Applying online, but the application isn’t submitted – If you apply online, you should receive confirmation that the college or university received it. Confirmation should be an e-mail message, a Web page response or a credit card receipt. Follow through and make sure that your application has been received.
- Forgotten signatures – Make sure you sign and date the application form. Often students overlook that part of the form if it is on the back. Check that all spaces are completed.
- Not reading carefully – For example, if the form asks what county you live in, don’t misread it and put United States.
- Listing extracurricular activities that aren’t – those that do make the list include sports, the arts, formal organizations, and volunteer work. Talking on the phone and hanging out with friends doesn’t count.
- Not telling the school counselor where you have applied – Let your counselor know to which colleges you’re applying so that high school transcripts can be sent.
- Writing illegibly – First impressions count, so take your time and use the best handwriting. It will make a better impression.
- Using an e-mail address that friends may laugh about, but colleges won’t – Select a professional e-mail address.
- Not checking your e-mail regularly – The college may use your e-mail address to contact you.
- Letting Mom or Dad help fill out your application – Admissions staff know if your parents helped. Do the work yourself. However, they or a friend should proofread your application after you have completed it.