The Top College Application Do’s and Don’ts

College Application hacks: There is a lot riding on your college application. This is likely the most important application you will ever fill out, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or lost during the process.

However, following some simple do’s and don’t’s can help make the process much easier and increase your chances of being accepted into your dream school.

DOs

✅ Start early

The earlier you begin your college application process, the better. Starting early will give you plenty of time to gather all the materials you need and complete all the necessary forms. It will also allow you to take your time in crafting a well-written and impressive application.

✅ Be organized

When it comes to applying to college, organization is key. Make sure you keep track of all the deadlines and requirements for each school you’re applying to. This will help ensure that you don’t miss anything important and can submit your applications on time.

✅ Be thoughtful about your essay

Your college application essay is your chance to shine. Take the time to brainstorm ideas and write an essay that truly captures who you are and what you’re passionate about.

✅ Be honest

It’s important to be honest in your college application. Don’t try to exaggerate your accomplishments or downplay your weaknesses. Be genuine and give the admissions committee a true picture of who you are.

✅ Follow instructions

Make sure you read and follow all the instructions on the college application. Failure to do so could result in your application being rejected outright.

✅ Be yourself

The college admissions process is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are. Be authentic in your application and let your personality shine through.

✅ Have your application reviewed by a professional

If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting into your dream school, it’s a good idea to have your college application reviewed by a professional. There are many cheap essay editing companies that offer this service, and they can help you identify any areas that need improvement. This feedback can be invaluable as you work to perfect your application before submitting it.

DON’Ts

❌Don’t try impressing admissions officers

Don’t try impressing admissions officers with long words or complicated sentence structures. You want to appear intelligent, but using big words when you don’t know their meaning will make you look foolish. Keep it simple and straightforward.

❌Don’t miss deadlines

This is probably the most important don’t on the list. College applications have strict deadlines that you need to adhere to in order to be considered for admission. Make sure you know all the deadlines and plan ahead so that you can submit your materials on time.

❌Don’t rely on your SAT/ACT score too much

Your SAT or ACT score is just one part of your college application, and it shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on. Admissions committees will also be looking at your grades, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations, so don’t neglect those other aspects of your application just because you think your test score is good enough.

❌Don’t copy someone else’s essay or ideas

Plagiarism is a serious offense and can get you into a lot of trouble. If you’re caught plagiarizing, you could be expelled from school or lose your scholarship.

❌Don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations

Your letters of recommendation are one of the ways that admissions committees get insight into who you are as a student and as a person. Make sure to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths, both academically and personally. And be sure to give them plenty of time to write a strong letter on your behalf.

❌Don’t try to be someone you’re not

Admissions committees can spot a phony a mile away, so don’t try to play up strengths that you don’t really have or present yourself as someone you’re not. Be honest about who you are and what you can offer, and let your unique qualities shine through.

❌Don’t make excuses

If there is something in your background that could potentially be seen as negative by admissions committees (poor grades in a particular subject, for example), don’t try to downplay it or make excuses. Instead, focus on what you’ve done to overcome that obstacle and how it has made you a stronger and more resilient student.

❌Don’t submit general essays or the same information to all the colleges

Every college has different essay prompts, and they want to see that you can tailor your writing to fit their specific needs. This means that you need to take the time to write a unique essay for each school, rather than just submitting the same generic piece of writing.

❌Don’t give up

The college application process can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t give up. If you don’t get into your first-choice school, there are many other great options out there. Keep searching and don’t give up on your dreams of attending college.

Standing out in your college application

There are a lot of things that go into a successful college essay. But if you want to really stand out, you need to focus on creating a top-notch portfolio.

Here are some tips:

• First, make sure you have a strong academic foundation. Good grades and test scores will certainly help your application, but so will evidence of your intellectual curiosity and rigor. So go above and beyond in your coursework, and look for opportunities to showcase your intellectual achievements outside of the classroom as well.

• Second, don’t be afraid to show off your unique talents and interests. Do you have any unusual skills or hobbies? Have you won any awards or been involved in any interesting projects? Be sure to highlight these things in your application, as they’ll help you stand out from the rest of the pack.

• Finally, don’t forget the power of community service and volunteering. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who are committed to making a difference in the world. So if you have any experience with volunteer work or community service, be sure to mention it in your application.

A strong college application is about more than just academics – it’s about showing who you are as a person. So focus on putting together a well-rounded portfolio that showcases your unique talents and interests, and you’re sure to stand out from the crowd.

Moreover, your video essay is a chance to really let your personality shine through. This is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

After your college application: what next?

The college application process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. But once you’ve hit “submit” on your applications, what comes next?

Here’s a look at what you can expect in the weeks and months after you’ve submitted your college applications.

The waiting game

Once you’ve submitted your applications, the waiting game begins. You’ll likely hear back from colleges within a few weeks to a few months. In the meantime, try to keep your mind off of things and focus on other aspects of your life.

The interview

For some colleges, the next step in the process after submitting your application will be an interview. This is your chance to make a good impression and show the admissions committee why you would be a great fit for their school.

The decision

Once all of the pieces of your application have been submitted, the admissions committee will make a decision on your fate. You’ll receive a letter in the mail letting you know whether or not you’ve been accepted.

The next steps: If you’ve been accepted to a college, congratulations! The next step is to confirm your enrollment and get ready for the next chapter of your life. If you’ve been rejected, don’t give up. There are plenty of other great colleges out there that would love to have you as a student.

The college application process can be daunting, but just remember to take it one step at a time. 

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