The following are common mistakes we have seen on our student applications:
Test optional for a portion, but not all schools
Testing Section -Students should “toggle” the testing section in their common application to “turn it off” before submitting test-optional applications and turning it back on when submitting applications that will consider test scores
Resume Section – For schools that allow students to upload resumes, the same methodology applies, remove SAT scores from the document before uploading to test-optional schools
Resumes – Certain schools allow applicants to upload a resume in the school’s activity section. There is an automatic green checkmark on this item so that students can miss the opportunity to add this content
Application Type – Particularly for larger schools with less forgiveness on errors, be sure to select early action vs. regular decision when applicable
Program of Study – If a school is a reach school and you are applying to a limited enrollment program, consider another option if you can work your way into the schedule with strong grades freshman year
Academic Common Market – Be sure to select the correct major/concentration if you are seeking to gain in-state tuition through the ACM
Financial Aid – Always complete and submit the FAFSA/CSS profile. However, if you have completed the pre-work, run the school’s net-price calculator, and are confident you will not receive need grants, consider answering no to the “Are you applying for financial aid section”
Recommender Section
Common App – Do not invite your teacher recommenders through the common application if your school uses a partner program such as Naviance or Cialfo
Naviance – Be sure to select the application type in Naviance as common application so your recommender can select the correct schools and upload all letters
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