Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the Common Application
As students complete their early action and early decision applications. Help them avoid making these little mistakes.
Make sure the personal information is entered correctly. Double check school name, email, and home address!
Consent to be contacted by cell phone, if a college requests it. Students may be happy they did when waiting for admissions decisions.
Don’t put “undecided” under the “Future Plans” section. Admissions officers understand that high school students do not necessarily know their career plans, but this is an opportunity to indicate a major interest.
Upload a resume if a college offers the opportunity.
Don’t write another essay in the Additional Information section. Admissions departments put a lot of thought into their supplemental essays and most, if not all, do not have the time to read an additional essay. Keep any information in this section brief.
Remember to proofread your application as a PDF using the “Preview” button at the end of the Common App. Check formatting and make sure none of the answers are cut off.
Set up the college portal after submitting the Common App. There, students can see if any parts of their application are missing. This is also where they usually receive admissions decisions. Check for the email from each college within 24 to 48 hours after submitting the Common App.
