The Common App is one of the most important components of your college application, and avoiding common mistakes is crucial for ensuring your application stands out for the right reasons. In this guide, we will walk you through the most frequent mistakes applicants make and how to steer clear of them. For additional tips and resources, visit CommonApps.
1. Not Proofreading Your Application
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is not proofreading their Common App before submission. Even a minor typo or grammatical error can leave a negative impression on admissions officers. Here’s how to avoid this:
- Take your time: Don’t rush through the application. Read each section carefully, especially the personal statement and essays.
- Ask for help: Have a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend review your application for any mistakes you may have missed.
- Use tools: Leverage grammar-checking tools, like Grammarly, to help catch any errors.
Remember, a polished and error-free application shows attention to detail. For further proofreading advice, visit CommonApps.
2. Submitting Incomplete Applications
An incomplete application is a quick way to derail your chances of getting accepted. Double-check that all sections of the Common App are fully completed:
- Fill out all sections: Make sure you’ve answered every question, including your personal details, educational history, extracurricular activities, and essays.
- Verify required documents: Ensure that your letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores have been uploaded or sent to the colleges you are applying to.
- Double-check deadlines: Make sure that your application, including all required materials, is submitted before the deadlines.
If you’re unsure about any part of the application process, visit CommonApps for additional resources.
3. Ignoring Word or Character Limits
Each section in the Common App, including your personal statement and activity descriptions, comes with specific word or character limits. Ignoring these limits can cause problems:
- Stay within the limits: Ensure that your essays, activities list, and other responses don’t exceed the prescribed character or word count.
- Be concise and impactful: Use every word wisely to make your answers clear and engaging within the given limits.
- Avoid repetition: Instead of repeating information, focus on making each response unique and valuable.
If you need help crafting your essays, visit CommonApps for expert advice on writing within limits.
4. Not Tailoring Your Application to Each College
Each college you apply to may have different requirements or values they prioritize. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
- Research each college: Take the time to understand each college’s culture, values, and academic programs to ensure your application reflects how you fit in.
- Customize your essays: Some colleges may ask specific questions or want you to discuss why you’re applying to their institution. Tailor your responses to each school’s prompts.
- Update your activities list: Certain activities or achievements might be more relevant to some colleges than others, so adjust accordingly.
For further tips on customizing your application, check out CommonApps.
5. Forgetting to Sign the Application
While this might seem obvious, it’s easy to forget to sign the Common App before submitting it. The signature section is essential, as it confirms that the information you’ve provided is accurate. Here’s how to avoid missing this step:
- Review the signature page: Before you hit “submit,” make sure you’ve completed the signature section of the application.
- Check for additional confirmations: Some colleges may require additional steps for signature or authentication, so be sure to follow their specific instructions.
If you’re unsure where to find this section, visit CommonApps for step-by-step instructions on signing your application.
6. Overlooking Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Another common mistake is overlooking financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Here’s how to avoid this pitfall:
- Complete the FAFSA: Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible.
- Research scholarships: Many schools offer merit-based scholarships or other financial assistance. Be sure to check for any available opportunities and submit the required materials.
- Verify the financial aid deadlines: Different schools may have different deadlines for financial aid applications, so stay on top of them.
To learn more about securing financial aid and scholarships, visit CommonApps.
7. Not Following Up with Recommenders
Letters of recommendation are a critical part of your application, and failing to follow up with your recommenders can result in delays or incomplete submissions. Here’s how to avoid this mistake:
- Ask early: Don’t wait until the last minute to request letters of recommendation from your teachers or mentors.
- Provide clear instructions: Make sure your recommenders know exactly how to submit their letters through the Common App portal.
- Follow up: Send polite reminders to ensure that all letters are submitted on time.
For additional tips on managing your recommendations, check out CommonApps.
Conclusion
Avoiding common mistakes in the Common App process is crucial to submitting a successful application. By proofreading carefully, completing every section, tailoring your responses, and following up with your recommenders, you’ll be on the path to creating a standout application. For more tips and help throughout your Common App journey, visit CommonApps.
Make sure to take your time, stay organized, and follow these guidelines to avoid pitfalls that could hurt your chances of acceptance.