5 Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for College


Friday, November 12, 2021

Applying for college can be a long and overwhelming process, but make sure you avoid these mistakes!



High school students who are looking to go to college and earn a university degree have to go through a tough process, known as the college application process, which can be both a rush of excitement and a time filled with stress and anxiety at the same time.

High school students thinking about going to college after earning their high school diplomas are aware of the long college application process that awaits them. Even though stress might not go away, it can help to be informed when going through this process. College-bound students’ stress can be dialled down by making sure they avoid the following college application mistakes.

Make sure you don’t make the following mistakes when applying for college:

#1. Forget to Read Directions Thoroughly

Paying close, detailed attention to what each college asks for on its college application is essential. After reading these directions, high school students/college-bound students must make sure they follow them.

For instance, any blank spaces will make an incomplete application that also leaves colleges with an incomplete picture of the applicant, which is why paying attention is essential! They need to make sure they don’t forget to fill out parts of the data on the college applications. 

#2. Let Parents Direct The Entire Process

It is important and helpful that students are actively involved in the application process, but they must not direct the entire process; their engagement in the process comes with limits.

Most responsibilities fall on the students, and it’s essential that they do them themselves. Filling out the application, writing personal assessment essays, taking control of communication with school officials are students’ responsibility.

In this process, parents can advocate for their children by providing guidance and support as well as helping them keep track of application deadlines and search for scholarships. But, top colleges and universities want to see students take the lead and campaign for themselves. In addition to that, this is a nurturing process that will help students develop independent thinking skills, which are essential for the future.

#3. Submit Applications or Personal Statement Essays WITHOUT a Complete Proofreading

Leaning on spellcheck can be helpful, but spell check does not catch everything and, many times, spellcheck autocorrects INCORRECTLY.

It is highly recommended that students read each part of their college application aloud to spot any possible errors. On top of that, reading aloud might be helpful to make sure they are conveying the message they want to get across to the college admissions team.

#4. Wait Until the Last Second to Start Applying

Most colleges and universities have different application plans, which is essential to keep track of deadlines for each of them. Not waiting until the last minute to start your application is essential, as applications can take as long as several weeks to put together. For that reason, waiting until the last possible moment will set you up for a stressful time that doesn’t come with a guarantee that your application will be the best it can be.

#5. Don't Forget to Read any Curriculum Requirements

When applying to a college or university and selecting a specific major, remember to make sure to check curriculum requirements and take the corresponding high school classes needed so that you can get in. 

It’s not uncommon for students to make these mistakes, but it is essential that they are aware of them before they start their college application process to make sure they avoid going through a more stressful time than it already is.

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