The following are common mistakes we have seen on our student applications:
Test optional for a portion, but not all schools - While the process below may seem overkill since schools state they suppress standardized test score information for test-optional students, we lean toward not sharing.
Testing Section -Students should “toggle” the testing section in their common application to “turn it off” before submitting test-optional applications and turn it back on when submitting applications that will consider test scores
Resume Section – The same methodology applies to schools that allow students to upload resumes and remove SAT scores from the document before uploading them to test-optional schools.
Resumes – Certain schools allow applicants to upload a resume in the school’s activity section. This item has an automatic green checkmark, so students can miss the opportunity to add this content. The University of Maryland, Bucknell University, and Clemson University are examples.
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 you are applying to a reach school that does not allow for an alternative major AND your preferred major is a limited enrollment program, consider a parallel option if you can internally transfer after earning strong grades in your college courses.
Academic Common Market – Be sure to select the correct major/concentration if you are seeking to gain in-state tuition through the ACM
Interviews, Special Events, and Demonstrated Interest - Schools that consider demonstrated interest in the application review can provide students an option to schedule an interview. For many schools, scheduling the interview is not based on an invitation but on the student's effort. Lehigh University is an example of a school that considers demonstrated interest, and students can schedule interviews or attend special events.
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