Avoiding College Application Pitfalls
If you’re a high school senior, no doubt you’re hip-deep in the college admissions process. This crucial time of decision-making is just the beginning of your journey. The admissions process consists of many things: completing the activity sheet, surviving the interview, gathering the teacher recommendations, and writing the essay. It’s a lot to do. And inevitably, along the line somewhere, many unsuspecting college hopefuls make a fatal mistake that keeps them from the college of their dreams. These common mistakes are made by thousands of eager applicants every year.
three women, courtesy of Marcio Eugenio
So how can you avoid them? Simple. Know what they are. Let me share a few common pitfalls I’ve seen in my years as an admissions consultant.
Not knowing what “prepared” really means
The entire admissions process really does take about a year, with admissions officers being only a part in the whole process. Most of your time needs to be spent getting everything finished and ready to go, whether this means turning an essay in on deadline or thinking through possible interview questions beforehand. College admissions officials can tell if a prospective student is prepared or not, based solely on the application packet. Remember that first impressions mean a lot in the application process. A well-prepared application packet stands out from one hastily put together.
Not being yourself
Colleges can’t let everyone in, so they have to pick the best students they can find. Therefore, it is important to be honest but at the same time, make sure you show the best sides of yourself. Everyone has not-so-good qualities. Don’t spend time on these qualities in an interview or essay. Instead, use those opportunities to focus on the good things about you that colleges will like. Approach the application like an audition, not a test.
Not understanding leadership
Leadership is one of the top qualities admissions committees look for. They want to see that students will take risks in support of other people. Leadership can be standing up for someone or simply walking into a class and trying to make it more enjoyable and meaningful for the teacher and students. Show you have this trait in an essay by talking about your leadership philosophy, or what you try to do on a day-to-day basis to make other people’s lives better. If you have the opportunity to do an interview, make sure you share a few examples with your interviewer as well.
Nothing “turns you on”
Colleges want to see passion. Their hope is that this passion will transfer to whatever course of study you choose to follow. If there is not a club, sport, or subject outside of the classroom that you are passionate about, the next best thing is to have a job. Colleges want to see that students are capable of sticking with something for long periods of time and can be self-sufficient, hard workers.
Going negative
To help ensure the success of their students, colleges seek the most upbeat, enthusiastic, positive students they can find. Don’t overdo it in the interview and make it seem like a performance. Instead, concentrate on the bright side of things and keep the unnecessary and accidental negatives out of the application.
Narrow thinking
There is not always one right answer to a question asked in college applications. These questions encourage thinking through different possibilities. Do not put things in such a simplistic, “black and white” light. Avoid words like never, always, everyone, only, and nobody.
Wasting your unique qualifications
Whether someone is an artist, athlete, singer or musician, use your talent to get an edge on the competition. Colleges want students like these at their schools. They have more to offer than the other equally qualified students who are competing for the same spots. So if coaches, teachers or sponsors agree, send in the necessary information to showcase your talent.
Social insensitivity
Colleges prefer their students truly care about one another and the rest of the world. It is important to show through admission essays and activities that you care about others in your school, in your state, in your country, and ideally, in the world.
Not learning from rough times
In response to an obvious rough time in a student’s life - an illness, divorce, or maybe a death in the family - admissions people want to hear about what you learned from these experiences. There is no need to apologize or promise better things in the future. Stay focused on the comeback and how the experience changed you.
Once you are in the “pool,” - meeting the required grades and test scores - avoiding these fatal mistakes can increase your chances of being accepted. This is good news for the high school seniors who are currently experiencing the uncertainty that college admission brings as they face their applications. Admissions committees look for those who stand out from the crowd. By being aware of these common pitfalls, you’re on your way to doing just that.
If you have any questions about your chances or want to talk to a qualified consultant regarding your college choices or application, give us a call at 703.242.5885 or drop us an email. We’ll be happy to discuss your application and answer any questions you may have.
