What are some major no-nos in the college application process?

I'm trying to avoid common mistakes while applying to colleges. What are some big no-nos in the college process that could hurt my chances? I've heard some horror stories and want to make sure I don't mess up.

One common pitfall can be missing deadlines. Each college has its own set of deadlines for applications, financial aid forms, and other materials, and it's essential to keep track of them. Using a calendar or an app to organize these dates is a good strategy; even small delays can result in disqualification because colleges can be quite strict about deadlines.

Another major no-no is submitting generic essays. While it's fine to reuse some parts of your essay for multiple applications, you should tailor the majority of your essay to each college. Admissions officers will notice if your essay is too generic and doesn't show that you have a genuine interest in their university. Always be sure to well-research the school/program you're applying to and focus on what specifically attracts you to it.

One more big mistake is not proofreading all parts of your application. Typos, grammatical errors, or mislabeled sections can send a message that you aren't detail-oriented. Having another person review your essays and application can provide a fresh perspective and catch anything you might've missed.

Finally, it's also important to be authentic in your application. Admissions officers are pretty adept at identifying when students inflate their achievements, or when the application doesn't match with the student's own voice. Be truthful about your achievements and let your personality shine in your writing.

In a similar vein, don't be too humble about your accomplishments either. The application is the place to highlight your hard work and dedication, so don't be shy about sharing your achievements in a factual, proud manner.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your applications!