The Common Application simplifies applying to multiple schools. However, this convenience makes it easy to submit careless errors to a dozen universities at once.
The first major mistake is ignoring the preview button. Formatting often breaks when pasting essays from a word processor into the text box. Always preview the final PDF to ensure paragraphs and spacing look correct.
Second, many students fail to utilize the additional information section. This is not the place for another essay. It is the perfect spot to briefly explain a dip in grades, a schedule conflict, or an unusual grading scale at the high school.
Third, students often list activities without clear descriptions. Admissions officers do not know what the "Blue and Gold Society" does unless you explain it. Use the character limit wisely to describe your specific impact and responsibilities.
Fourth, forgetting to update school specific questions is a fatal error. Nothing sinks an application faster than submitting an essay to Boston University that accidentally mentions how much you love Boston College.
Finally, waiting until the final hour to submit invites technical disasters. The servers frequently crash on major deadline days. Submit at least forty eight hours early.
Guiding students to avoid these pitfalls is a full time job. For consultants managing dozens of applications, staying organized is the only way to survive the season. See how Admissionary provides the workflow tools needed to keep every student on track.