Completing college applications can be a daunting experience. With so much pressure to craft the perfect application, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the process and make mistakes that could cost you your desired college acceptance. To help relieve some pressure, we’ve identified some common red flags that you should avoid when completing your college applications! From proofreading to including the right extracurriculars, follow these tips to create an application that shows universities why they need you in their student body.
Spelling or Grammar Errors
No one wants the admissions committee to think you don’t care about your application! Make sure to double- and triple-check for spelling and grammar errors, and even have a few friends look it over. A couple of typos here and there might not seem like a big deal, but they can make all the difference. So, take the time to proofread so that everything looks perfect before you submit.
Inadequate Extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities play an important role in many colleges’ admissions decision processes. Make sure you can demonstrate your involvement beyond just academics. Listing a few clubs or sports you were involved with in high school won’t necessarily set you apart from the competition. Instead, try to showcase activities that have allowed you to explore and develop your interests, such as internships, volunteering, or leadership positions that reflect your passions. Doing so will demonstrate to colleges that you’re well-rounded and determined to keep learning and growing.
Referencing the Wrong School
Another college application red flag to avoid is referencing the wrong school in your application documents. While this may seem like an obvious mistake, it’s surprisingly common. Make sure to double-check all your applications before submitting them to make sure that you correctly spell and reference each college or university name throughout. This is an embarrassing mistake to make, so pay extra attention when submitting your applications!
Poor Grades
Colleges will take your past academic performance into consideration, so make sure to maintain a record of good grades. You don’t need a perfect GPA, but if you have an unimpressive transcript, it could raise concerns about your ability to do well in college. While it may not always be possible to get perfect grades, do your best to keep up with coursework and be proactive by seeking help in areas where you need it.
Rushed Applications
Taking the time to carefully fill out your college applications is key to distinguishing yourself from thousands of other applicants. Don’t give in to the temptation of rushing through or submitting an incomplete application just to meet the deadline. Admissions committees may not take a rushed and sloppy application seriously, so take the time to make sure all pieces of your application are neat, complete, and accurate!
Crafting the perfect college application is no easy feat, but avoiding these red flags can go a long way toward helping you achieve your academic dreams. With attention to detail, a bit of finesse, and the right mindset, you’ll be well on your way to creating an impressive application. Good luck!