As an independent educational consultant who has years of experience in the college admissions process, Mark Cruver knows there are mistakes prospective college students make that drive college admissions personnel crazy. Here are some of the mistakes you can avoid in your application.
Not following instructions
Many institutions of higher learning clearly lay out the instructions that have to be followed with the various aspects of the application. If you are doing the application online, there will be a set of guidelines to follow. Not following the rules, like using the section for international students to submit your application, is not acceptable.
Letting parents do all the work
Sure, college admissions officers want the family to be involved in the process as much as possible, but it's not a good sign if Mom is the one placing 10 phone calls and following up on every issue. The school might not hold it against the student if he/she has played a part in the process. Admissions officers expect the students to take the lead role.
Lengthy resumes
At 18 years of age, you are not expected to submit a four-page resume. Many college counselors might encourage you to write what you have accomplished, experienced and earned. It’s a good idea to submit one even though the same information might be found on the application.
Last minute work
Waiting until the deadline to submit is not encouraged, as you may not submit everything that’s required of the application. Besides, doing it on the last day doesn’t give you time to confirm that everything checks out, or enough time to work on any corrections.
Mark Cruver holds a master of education in college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.
Not following instructions
Many institutions of higher learning clearly lay out the instructions that have to be followed with the various aspects of the application. If you are doing the application online, there will be a set of guidelines to follow. Not following the rules, like using the section for international students to submit your application, is not acceptable.
Letting parents do all the work
Sure, college admissions officers want the family to be involved in the process as much as possible, but it's not a good sign if Mom is the one placing 10 phone calls and following up on every issue. The school might not hold it against the student if he/she has played a part in the process. Admissions officers expect the students to take the lead role.
Lengthy resumes
At 18 years of age, you are not expected to submit a four-page resume. Many college counselors might encourage you to write what you have accomplished, experienced and earned. It’s a good idea to submit one even though the same information might be found on the application.
Last minute work
Waiting until the deadline to submit is not encouraged, as you may not submit everything that’s required of the application. Besides, doing it on the last day doesn’t give you time to confirm that everything checks out, or enough time to work on any corrections.
Mark Cruver holds a master of education in college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.