Applying to college is an exciting moment in your life. It is time to forge your future and turn your grit into greatness. But mishaps in your application can be easy to make. Don’t let avoidable errors influence where you attend school.
Here are some common things to watch out for:
Not following instructions
Did you put your first name where it says last name? Did you accidentally click on “international student” when you were a domestic student? Read carefully and look at everything. Don’t have your application discounted because you accidentally missed sections or put vital information in the wrong place.
Entering your information wrong
Does your birthday have the right date listed? Are your addresses and emails written correctly? They are asking for this information because it is important. Do not use abbreviations or enter placeholder information - you might forget to change it before submitting. Make sure you enter your legal first and last name so your application can be matched with the rest of your documents. Check over your information before you submit it. Most schools will have an option to preview your application before you send it in. Don’t be overconfident and skip proofreading.
Not answering honestly
Be yourself and don’t make things up. This is your application. Lying isn’t going to do you any favors in the long run. If you are caught, your admission could be revoked, you could lose your financial aid and even face criminal charges if you forged official documents.
Applying on the deadline
There is a saying that goes “If you’re early, then you’re on time, and if you’re on time, then you’re late.” This is how you should view the deadline for your college application. Don’t wait until the last minute. Some schools may not even give you consideration. To be safe, apply before the deadline. Make sure you use an email you check regularly that way if you get accepted; you don’t miss vital information coming to your inbox. Also, don’t link your application to your current school email address. That may expire after you graduate.
Not doing test-optional even though you think you should
Test-optional is only meant to help you. If you feel your scores aren’t a good representation of your academic abilities, then don’t add them to your transcript. Still, do your research on whether the schools you're applying to value test scores.
The overall mistake is not giving your college application the time and care that it deserves. Be intentional and honest about your information, and you’ll find a school that is right for you.