Top 10 Mistakes Students Make on Their College Applications (and How to Avoid Them)

College applications are the Hunger Games of high school—a battle of wits, strategy, and self-presentation. Except, instead of tributes, it’s tens of thousands of students vying for a spot at their dream schools. And while it might feel like victory depends on the strength of your GPA, the truth is, many students knock themselves out of the running with avoidable mistakes.

So let’s break down the Top 10 College Application Mistakes and, more importantly, how to sidestep them like the seasoned competitor you are.

1. Writing a Boring Personal Statement

Your personal statement isn’t a book report—it’s a story about you. Too many students try to sound impressive instead of authentic, churning out generic essays about “working hard” or “wanting to make the world a better place.” Admissions officers don’t want a resume recap; they want to see your humanity, quirks, and perspective.

Fix it: Be specific, vulnerable, and interesting. Instead of “I learned perseverance from soccer,” try, “I discovered my love for strategy on the soccer field, where I mapped out plays like war tactics in my mind.” Make them care about your journey.

2. Ignoring the Supplemental Essays

Don’t treat supplemental essays like a chore. These aren’t bonus points—they’re dealbreakers. A half-hearted “Why Us” essay will torpedo your chances faster than you can say “GPA.”

Fix it: Research the school’s programs, professors, and values. Then write essays that show why you’re a perfect match. For example, instead of saying, “I love your computer science program,” say, “I’m excited to study under Professor X, whose work on AI ethics inspires me to explore technology’s moral implications.”

3. Overloading Your Application with Activities

You were in 17 clubs and played three sports? Cool. But if none of them demonstrate commitment or depth, it’s just noise. Admissions officers want to see where you shine, not a laundry list of half-hearted efforts.

Fix it: Focus on a few activities where you made an impact. Were you the president of debate club? Did you create a mentorship program for younger athletes? Highlight leadership, growth, and passion.

4. Rehashing Your Resume in Your Essays

The essays are your chance to add color and personality to your application, not to regurgitate what’s already on your activities list.

Fix it: Use your essays to reveal your inner world—your motivations, challenges, and aspirations. If you’re writing about your internship, don’t just explain what you did; share how it changed your perspective on leadership or sparked your curiosity.

5. Skipping the Proofread

Nothing screams “I didn’t care” like typos or misspelled school names. Imagine applying to Dartmouth and writing, “I can’t wait to be part of the vibrant community at Darmefth.” Ouch.

Fix it: Read everything out loud. Have a parent, teacher, or friend review it. And for the love of spellcheck, double-check every school’s name.

6. Underestimating Letters of Recommendation

A generic “This student is hardworking” letter will do you no favors. Your recommenders should know you well enough to write something personal and impactful.

Fix it: Build relationships with your teachers and mentors early. Give them a brag sheet with specific anecdotes they can include. For example, remind your math teacher about the time you stayed after class to solve a tricky problem or led a study group.

7. Applying to Schools Without Research

Don’t apply to a school just because it’s prestigious. If you can’t articulate why you’re a good fit, admissions officers will notice.

Fix it: Research each school’s programs, culture, and mission. If you’re into social justice, highlight a school’s service-learning opportunities. If you love robotics, name-drop their cutting-edge engineering labs.

8. Treating the Process Like a Numbers Game

Applying to 20 schools doesn’t guarantee an acceptance. It just guarantees more stress.

Fix it: Focus on 8-12 schools that fit your goals and personality. Spend your time perfecting those applications instead of spreading yourself too thin.

9. Over-Editing Your Essays

There’s a fine line between polished and overworked. When you’ve edited out all your personality, you’re left with a bland essay that could have been written by anyone.

Fix it: Find your voice and stick to it. Let someone you trust read your essay and tell you if it still sounds like you. Remember, your quirks and imperfections make you memorable.

10. Forgetting to Show Who You Are

Admissions officers aren’t just looking for scholars—they’re looking for humans. If your application feels robotic, you’re missing the point.

Fix it: Show what makes you, you. Whether it’s your love for birdwatching, your obsession with 80s horror movies, or your knack for baking the perfect soufflé, let your personality shine through.

The Big Point

The college application process is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll already be miles ahead of the competition. And if you need help crafting an application that tells your story with power and authenticity, Top Dog is here to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Let’s show those admissions officers exactly why you’re the one.