The first step to submitting perfect college applications is to avoid common mistakes. Here are five ways to make sure you do just that:
1. Follow the directions on the college’s website.
I hit this point so often here for one reason—it’s the single most common mistake I see families make. Deadlines, application requirements, essay prompts—the single most reliable place to get that information is on each college’s own website.
2. Apply to a balanced list of schools.
Playing the “reach school” lottery (applying to too many schools where your chances of admission aren’t strong in the hopes that one will accept you) is no way to set yourself up for success. Run your college list by your high school counselor before you apply and make sure at least half to two-thirds are schools where your chances of admission are strong.
3. Proofread your application.
This is one of those pieces of advice that seems too obvious to mention. But careless application errors are still a common mistake (often because those apps are being completed at the last minute). Start early, take your time, and proofread your application carefully before you submit it.
4. Save your submission receipt.
When you apply online to a college, you’ll get a screenshot and/or an email that serves as your confirmation of applying. Whatever you do, don’t discard that crucial piece of information. We’ve seen instances where colleges later claimed not to have received a student’s application (it happens, especially when their offices are sorting through tens of thousands of files). As long as you have a copy of that confirmation, you’ve got the proof you need that you submitted an application by the deadline.
5. Forward official transcripts and test scores.
Many colleges will also require that you forward copies of your official transcripts and test scores before your application will be considered complete. This goes right back to rule #1—go through all of the stated application requirements on each college’s website. And if they want official transcripts or test scores before they evaluate your application, don’t forget to have those sent along.