Your teen only gets one shot to make a first impression on their college applications.
And for most students, that first impression comes through The Common App, which is the central online application system used by more than a thousand colleges and universities nationwide.
The good news? With the right support, your teen can approach the process with confidence and show colleges who they really are, beyond just test scores and transcripts. Whether they’re a rising senior gearing up to apply or a younger student thinking ahead, understanding these common mistakes now can make the whole experience a lot smoother and less stressful.
After helping many students navigate this process, I’m breaking down seven application mistakes I often see, and how to help ensure each part of your child’s Common App counts.
1. Missing deadlines.
With so many moving parts — from transcripts and test scores to teacher recommendations — it’s easy for important deadlines to slip through the cracks. When I work with students, we create a shared calendar to stay on track. Early in the application process, I have them enter each college’s deadlines along with key school-specific dates. It’s a simple step that can make the entire process feel more manageable and ensure nothing important gets missed.
2. Rushing through the application.
Speeding through the application can lead to careless errors, such as misspelled words, punctuation mistakes, and omitted information. The best way to avoid this is to start early! I always encourage my rising seniors to begin working on the Common App over the summer. Even though the new application cycle opens on August 1st, students can create an account ahead of time and start filling out the “Common Section” in advance.
This early start gives them time to thoughtfully complete the activities section and begin crafting their personal statement without feeling rushed. I always remind my students to wait until after August 1st to tackle each school’s supplemental essays, since those prompts may change year to year.
3. Listing activities without context.
The Common App provides space for students to list 10 extracurricular activities. Students are prompted to write a brief (150-character) description of each activity. This is where students can truly shine!
Many students add generic descriptions just to move on to the next section, but this is their chance to highlight their leadership, growth, engagement, and impact. I tell my students they need to capitalize on any opportunity to stand out on their application, and this is the perfect place to do just that!
4. Undervaluing the personal essay.
Students are given a maximum of 650 words to highlight their unique qualities and share insights with admission officers that go beyond their application materials. I work with my students on strategies to make every word count!
The essay presents an opportunity for students to showcase their personality and writing skills. Many colleges heavily rely on the personal essay in their admission decisions. When other applicants have similar academic credentials, this is a student’s chance to set themselves apart from the competition.
5. Skipping the Additional Information section.
This part of the Common App provides students the opportunity to share context not covered elsewhere in the application, including health challenges, personal hardships, grade anomalies (such as a drop in GPA), learning differences, limitations in their high school courses, and transitions like a school transfer or gap year. This section helps admission officers better understand a student’s background.
6. Adding too many recommendation letters.
Many students believe that submitting more recommendation letters will enhance their application, but most schools typically require only two. Any additional letters may begin to sound repetitive. I always encourage my students to ask for letters from teachers who know them well and genuinely support them.
7. Not tailoring applications to each college.
Students should research each college to understand the school’s programs and values. They should customize their supplemental essays to reflect this. A word of caution: college admission officers can easily spot a copy-and-paste job, so students need to use their authentic voice. I have my students reference specific courses, professors, student organizations, or campus traditions that they want to be part to show genuine interest and help make their applications stand out.
Helping Teens Put Their Best Foot Forward on the Common App
By avoiding these common mistakes, students can present a clear and compelling picture of who they are. Starting early can help students approach the Common App with confidence and clarity, one thoughtful section at a time.
If your teen could use expert guidance, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our Education Specialists today.
ABOUT OUR AUTHOR:
Jen Foldvary, M.Ed., is a College Consultant at Educational Connections. She previously worked as a private high school college counselor and as the Associate Director of Freshmen Admission at the University of Toledo. Jen holds a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from The University of Toledo. She began her career as a special education teacher.