College Application 101: Mistakes To Avoid

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Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — In 2025 more kids will graduate from high school in record numbers, with almost four million students getting a diploma. Just about 40 percent will go to college. That means time is running out to apply for the fall semester. The college admissions application can be intimidating. Just one error can disqualify you.

Essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, and of course the application itself! Applying for college can be a laborious process.

High school seniors will spend an average of 60 to 200 hours filling out college applications.

Experts say mistakes to avoid, first don’t miss the deadline! Specific programs, like honors colleges, may have earlier deadlines, also don’t lie!

A recent survey found 61 percent of current and recently graduated college students admitted to including untrue information on their application. Forty percent said they listed volunteer hours that they didn’t complete.

Another mistake is a lack of effort. Be sure to complete every section of your application, proofread your essay for errors, and submit all the paperwork needed. And don’t be afraid to ask for help

Lastly don’t skip the essay even if it’s optional. Colleges really want to gauge your interest in the school and see if you’re a hard worker.

Another common mistake is making your essay too vague and generic. Try to tailor the essay to the school you’re applying for.

Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Bob Walko

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Sources:

https://source.cognia.org/issue-article/high-school-graduation-trends-in-the-years-ahead/

https://globalacademics.us/how-time-consuming-is-the-college-application/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20depending%20on%20the%20number,streamline%20the%20process%20for%20you

https://www.prweb.com/releases/intelligent-com-survey-finds-61-percent-of-college-students-lied-on-their-admissions-applications-811824019.html

https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/common-college-application-mistakes/