Final College Application Tips Before You Hit Submit
The college admissions process can feel like a mystery. What really matters to admissions officers? After you submit your application, every component will be reviewed in detail. It is not just about what you write in your essays or activities list, but also how you present the information.
After years of preparing for college and countless hours spent drafting your personal statement, revising your supplemental essays, and refining your activities list, this is the time to polish every single element. You never want a careless mistake to be what stands out to an admissions officer. Here are some important college application tips to follow before you hit submit that can make or break the first impression of your file.
Do Not Include That Additional Letter of Recommendation
If the school has not asked for it or specifically says they will not read additional letters, admissions officers will not consider them. Submitting more than what is requested can make it look like you did not follow directions. After the required teacher recommendations, an extra letter from another instructor is unlikely to change how your file is viewed.
Exceptions: If a school explicitly states that it welcomes additional letters, you may submit one or two that add new perspectives. Choose someone who knows you outside the classroom, such as an internship supervisor, coach, or activity mentor, rather than another academic teacher. Always check the admissions website FAQ page for clarity.
Or That Resume
Admissions officers review applications on a tight timeline, often spending only minutes on each file. They are unlikely to read a lengthy resumé that repeats what is already listed in your activities section. Submitting a multi-page document can be frustrating for the reader and risks distracting from the strongest parts of your application.
Exceptions: A short, clear resumé that highlights unique information not captured elsewhere may be valuable if the school allows it. Limit yourself to one page and avoid repetition.
Watch That Comma, Semicolon, and Parentheses
Grammar, punctuation, and formatting matter more than many students realize. Errors can distract from your message and make it look like you rushed. Some admissions officers admit that if they see more than a couple of mistakes, they quickly skim the rest of the file. Proofreading is one of the most overlooked but crucial college application tips before you submit.
Exceptions: None. Careless grammar and typos are preventable.
Do Your Math
Accuracy is critical. Admissions officers notice when reported scores or hours do not make sense. Listing a score that exceeds the maximum on the SAT or ACT will raise doubts about the accuracy of your application. Inflating your extracurricular hours so they total more than the hours in a week is another red flag. These mistakes undermine credibility.
Exceptions: None. Always double check your test scores, GPA, and activity hours for accuracy.
Don’t Miss a Chance to Share More About Yourself
Leaving the “future plans” or “academic interests” section blank is a missed opportunity. Even if you are undecided, you should still list an interest to give admissions officers a sense of your direction. They know you will probably change your mind, but showing an academic focus helps them imagine how you will fit into their campus community.
Exceptions: None. Always use this space to share at least one interest.
Double Check the Obvious
Many students make avoidable mistakes in the profile section. Mixing up your first and last name, listing the wrong address, or entering inaccurate parent information creates confusion. This section provides important context for your background, so accuracy matters.
Exceptions: None. This is simple but essential.
Think Again About the Organization
The order of your activities list communicates your priorities. Admissions officers should see your most meaningful and impactful activities first. If your intended major is psychology, highlight research or internships in that field rather than unrelated hobbies. Your activities list should align with your academic goals and application narrative.
Exceptions: Use your judgment if it is difficult to decide which activities had the greatest impact. Consider whether an activity involved leadership, had measurable outcomes, or shaped your personal growth.
Be Consistent
Consistency across your application is a sign of attention to detail. If some activity entries end with periods, make sure they all do. If you use commas to separate phrases, do so throughout. Do not switch between “and,” “&,” or “+.” Inconsistencies pull focus away from your accomplishments and onto formatting.
Exceptions: None. Clean, uniform formatting is expected.
Don’t Be Bold
Presentation matters. If you paste your personal statement into the application system and the formatting changes, admissions officers will see it exactly that way. Avoid using bold unnecessarily and double check that italics, special characters, or foreign language text appear correctly. Always preview your application before submitting.
Exceptions: None. Always proof the PDF version of your application before clicking submit.
Ready to Submit with Confidence?
Self-presentation is in the details. Following these college application tips ensures admissions officers see your strengths clearly and without distraction. The application is your first impression, so make it count.
Want a final review before you submit? Connect with our Enrollment Team to schedule a free consultation with our admissions counselors and make sure your application stands out.