Common Mistakes on College Applications
Avoid these mistakes to boost your chances of admission.
As college admissions consultants, we’ve reviewed countless applications and while every student is unique, the same mistakes show up again and again. These missteps can hurt your chances, even if you have strong grades or an impressive resume.
The good news? Most of them are totally avoidable.
Here are the most common college application mistakes we see and how you can avoid them.
1. Undervaluing the Personal Statement
Some students treat the personal statement like just another essay. But it’s one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice, your test scores or GPA can’t do that.
What to do instead:
Use your essay to reveal something meaningful about who you are. Focus less on what happened and more on what it meant to you. Reflect, don’t just recount.
2. Overloading on Activities but Lacking Depth
The Common App allows up to 10 activities, but more isn’t always better. What matters most is the depth of your involvement, not how many clubs you joined.
What to do instead:
Highlight 2–3 activities you’ve committed to over time. Show growth, leadership, or real passion. Don’t be afraid to explain why they matter to you.
3. Using a “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach to Supplementals
Colleges can tell when your supplemental essays are copied and pasted from another school. Vague answers like “I love your beautiful campus” won’t cut it.
What to do instead:
Write each “Why This College?” essay specifically for that school. Mention a particular class, professor, program, or value that truly resonates with you. Show you’ve done your homework.
4. Typos, Grammar Errors, and Formatting Issues
You’d be surprised how many applications go out with misspelled words, incorrect school names, or sloppy formatting.
What to do instead:
Have someone else proofread your application. Read it out loud to catch awkward phrases. And double-check everything, especially school names in those supplemental essays!
5. Not Explaining Context Where It’s Needed
Maybe you had a dip in grades one semester, or you had to work a part-time job to support your family. If you don’t explain the context, admissions officers can only guess.
What to do instead:
Use the “Additional Information” section wisely. Be honest, concise, and professional. Context can help explain—but not excuse—certain aspects of your record.
6. Missing Deadlines or Submitting at the Last Minute
Tech issues, recommendation delays, or just stress can sabotage your app if you’re too close to the wire.
What to do instead:
Aim to submit a few days before the actual deadline. And create a checklist with all your application components and due dates to stay on track.
7. Letting Someone Else's Voice Take Over
It’s natural to get help from parents, teachers, or consultants. But too much editing can erase your voice entirely.
What to do instead:
Make sure your application still sounds like you. Admissions officers are looking to get to know the real person behind the application, not a polished version of what you think they want to hear.
Final Thoughts
The college application process can feel overwhelming, but remember: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being authentic, thoughtful, and intentional. Every part of your application is a chance to tell your story and show colleges what makes you, you.
