What are some common mistakes students make in their college applications?

Hello, I'm a high school junior, and I'm starting to work on my college applications. I want to avoid common mistakes that might hurt my chances of getting accepted. CollegeVine, can you share some common mistakes that students make and how to avoid them? Thanks so much!

Hi there! It's great that you're starting to work on your college applications early and seeking advice to avoid common mistakes. Here are a few mistakes I've seen students make and some suggestions on how to avoid them:

1. Procrastination: Many students wait until the last minute to start their applications, which can lead to rushed essays and careless mistakes. To avoid this, start working on your applications as early as possible and set deadlines for yourself.

2. Not proofreading: Small errors in your application, like typos or grammatical mistakes, can give admissions officers the impression that you're not taking the process seriously. Make sure to proofread your application multiple times, and ask someone you trust to give it a thorough review as well.

3. Focusing too much on activities and awards: While it's important to showcase your accomplishments and involvement, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your essays. Admissions officers want to get to know you as a person, so sharing your unique perspective and experiences is essential.

4. Not researching colleges thoroughly: Make sure you understand the unique aspects of each college you're applying to, and tailor your application to highlight why you're a good fit for that specific school.

I hope these tips help you in your application process! Best of luck!