5 Mistakes in Your College Application
College application mistakes are a big no-no. This is an important milestone. Getting everything right can make or break your study abroad dream. While there’s plenty of advice on what to do, it’s just as important to know what not to do.
Here are five often-overlooked college application mistakes that could hurt your study abroad chances:
- Overloading Your Application with Extracurriculars
Quality over quantity is essential when listing extracurricular activities. Admissions officers want to see genuine commitment and leadership in a few activities rather than surface-level involvement in many.
Rather than listing every club you’ve ever joined, focus on a few that truly mattered to you and highlight your specific contributions.
- Ignoring Supplemental Essay Prompts
Many applicants make the mistake of recycling their personal statement for supplemental essays, thinking they can tweak a few sentences. However, these prompts are designed to gauge your fit for that specific school.
Ignoring this or giving a generic response can show a lack of interest or effort. Each school’s culture and values differ—use the supplemental essays to show how you align with them.
- Not Tailoring Your Recommendation Letters
As much as the person recommending you is important, what’s more essential is what they write in the recommendation letter. Many students fail to guide their recommenders on what to emphasize. A generic recommendation won’t do you any favors.
Instead, choose someone who knows you well and can speak to specific achievements or qualities that align with the programs you’re applying to. Provide them with a resume and some talking points to ensure they highlight your strengths.
- Overlooking the College’s Specific Requirements
Not all colleges have the same application requirements. Some schools may ask for additional essays, portfolios, or video interviews. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to your application being dismissed outright.
Carefully read each school’s application instructions and make a checklist to ensure you’re not missing anything. Even seemingly minor details, like formatting or word count, can be crucial.
- Sending Your Application at the Last Minute
Last-minute submissions are more prone to errors. Another important factor most students don’t know is that colleges track when you submit your application. Early submissions can demonstrate enthusiasm and preparedness, while late ones might suggest the opposite.
First impression is everything with college applications. Aim to finish your application at least two to three weeks before the deadline to give yourself time for final reviews and any unexpected issues.
Paranoid About What Else Might Go Wrong?
At HR International, our British Council-certified counselors are dedicated to ensuring your application not only meets but exceeds expectations. We’ll leave no stone unturned to make your application stand out and put your best foot forward.
