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Mistakes To Avoid On Your College Application

Here are some common mistakes made by students when applying to college.

#8 Lazy applications. About 80 percent of college applications are now done online. Don’t mention Grinnell in an essay waxing about the virtues of Oberlin.  Be sure to proofread again. And don’t forget that some schools require supplemental essays.

#7 Generic Recommendations.  Selective colleges typically require two teacher recommendations and your counselor’s recommendation. Make sure you choose teachers who know you well.  Share your hopes and dreams with your counselor so her recommendation is full of specifics.

#6 Writing Generic essays yourself. The 3 keys to great essays: BE SPECIFIC, less is more, and show- don’t tell.  Show them something unique about you.

#5 Being a ‘jack-of-all-trades.’  Become great at one skill, and then— through a 90-second video file— market that skill to the head of the drama department, the softball coach, or the orchestra director.  Turn your future coach or mentor into an on-campus advocate for your admission.

#4 Not planning ahead so that your family qualifies for as much need-based financial aid as possible.  See a financial advisor long before December 31 each of your college years, especially the December 31 before Freshman year.

#3 Gravitating towards ease.  Wait until the nursing home to take it easy. Seven out of 10 college admissions folks rate ‘strength of curriculum’ as a top factor in applications, according to the 2010 College Admissions Report by the National Association of College Admission Counseling.  Colleges would prefer a B in a rigorous class than an A in a fluff class.

#2 Being unenthusiastic. Colleges don’t want to be your second choice.  Your chances for admission climb if you suggest that this college is a top choice of yours, assuming costs are comparable.

#1 Procrastination.  Ask your teachers early for recommendations. Interview- and be informed before you interview. Fill out the FAFSA in early January: financial aid is often first come, first served.


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