Applying to college is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. With so many details to manage, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hurt your chances of getting into your dream school. But don’t worry—by understanding the common pitfalls, you can avoid them and put together a strong application that truly reflects who you are.
Here are some of the most common mistakes students make when applying to college, along with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Missing Deadlines
One of the easiest ways to hurt your college application is by missing deadlines. Colleges have strict deadlines for submitting applications, test scores, financial aid forms, and recommendation letters. If you miss these, you may not be considered for admission at all, no matter how qualified you are.
How to avoid it: Create a timeline for each school you’re applying to. Write down the deadlines for the application itself, financial aid, scholarships, and anything else required. Set reminders in your phone or calendar so you don’t miss anything. Starting early will give you plenty of time to gather materials and ensure everything is submitted on time.
2. Failing to Proofread
Your application is a reflection of you, and any typos, grammar mistakes, or misspellings can make a bad impression. Whether it’s your personal statement, short-answer responses, or even your name and address, errors show a lack of attention to detail.
How to avoid it: Always proofread your application before submitting it. Read it out loud to catch awkward phrases or mistakes. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to look it over too. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot errors you’ve missed. It’s worth taking the extra time to make sure everything is polished.
3. Using a Generic Essay
Colleges read thousands of essays, so they can tell when you’re recycling the same essay for multiple schools. While it’s tempting to reuse the same essay for every application, doing so can make your application seem generic or lazy. Admissions officers want to know why you’re specifically interested in their school.
How to avoid it: Tailor your essay to each college. Research what makes each school unique—whether it’s a specific academic program, campus culture, or extracurricular opportunities—and explain why that’s important to you. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the school.
4. Not Following Instructions
Each college may have different requirements for their application, such as word limits, specific essay prompts, or the number of recommendation letters. Not following the instructions can signal that you’re either careless or don’t take the application process seriously.
How to avoid it: Carefully read through the application instructions for each school and make sure you follow them exactly. If an essay asks for 500 words, don’t go over the limit. If a school requests two recommendation letters, don’t send three. Sticking to the guidelines shows that you can follow directions and pay attention to detail.
5. Forgetting to Request Recommendation Letters Early
Recommendation letters play a key role in your application, giving colleges a sense of who you are from the perspective of someone who knows you well. However, teachers and counselors are often asked to write multiple letters, and they need time to do it well. If you ask at the last minute, they might not have enough time to write a thoughtful letter, or worse, they may not be able to do it at all.
How to avoid it: Ask for recommendation letters at least a month before the deadline. Be polite and respectful when making the request, and provide your teacher or counselor with any information they might need, like a resume or a list of your achievements. This will help them write a strong and personalized letter.
6. Applying to Too Few or Too Many Schools
Some students make the mistake of applying to too few colleges, thinking they’ll get into their top choice, while others apply to so many schools that they’re overwhelmed by the process. Both approaches can hurt your chances.
How to avoid it: Apply to a balanced mix of schools, including safety schools (where you’re almost certain to get in), match schools (where you’re a strong candidate), and reach schools (where admission is less certain). A good rule of thumb is to apply to around 5-10 colleges. This gives you options without stretching yourself too thin.
7. Ignoring Financial Aid and Scholarships
Applying to college can be expensive, and many students make the mistake of not exploring financial aid and scholarship options. Failing to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or apply for scholarships could mean missing out on thousands of dollars in aid.
How to avoid it: Complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify for aid. Many colleges use this information to determine both need-based and merit-based aid. Also, research and apply for scholarships—there are many out there, and every bit helps! Some scholarships are based on academic achievements, while others focus on community service, athletics, or other interests.
8. Neglecting Extracurricular Activities
While grades and test scores are important, colleges are also interested in who you are outside of the classroom. Students who focus only on academics and ignore extracurricular activities may miss out on showcasing important qualities like leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
How to avoid it: Include any extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in, such as clubs, sports, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Highlight your leadership roles or any significant contributions you’ve made. Colleges want to see well-rounded applicants who can contribute to their campus community.
9. Not Showing Enough Interest in the School
Some colleges track how much interest you show in their school, and this can be a factor in their admission decision. If you don’t attend campus tours, information sessions, or connect with admissions officers, the school might assume you’re not serious about attending.
How to avoid it: Show demonstrated interest by visiting the campus (if possible), attending virtual events, or reaching out to admissions representatives with thoughtful questions. Mention specific reasons why you’re interested in that school in your application. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in attending.
10. Not Being Yourself
The application process is your opportunity to show colleges who you really are. Some students fall into the trap of writing what they think the admissions office wants to hear, rather than being honest and authentic.
How to avoid it: Be yourself in your application. Let your personality, passions, and values shine through in your essays and answers. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, not a version of yourself that you think they want. Being genuine will make your application stand out in a sea of others.
Final Thoughts
Applying to college is a big step, and it’s natural to feel nervous or unsure at times. By avoiding these common mistakes—like missing deadlines, submitting generic essays, or not following instructions—you can put together an application that reflects your best self. Start early, stay organized, and remember that this process is about finding the right fit for you. Good luck!