The college application process is a significant journey—one paved with good intentions and the occasional, entirely avoidable pothole. Knowing what not to do is just as crucial as knowing what to do. Use this guide to help you navigate the process with confidence and dodge the common mistakes that can hold you back.
Before You Submit
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: The adrenaline rush of an 11:59 PM submission might be thrilling, but it rarely produces your best work. The stress of fighting a deadline can stifle your creativity and lead to careless mistakes. Give yourself ample time to draft essays, gather documents, and carefully proofread.
Don’t Forget to Read All Directions: It sounds simple, but incomplete applications are a glaringly common reason for rejection. Pay close attention to what each school is explicitly asking for, and make sure you fill out every section—even those marked as “optional.”
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Relying solely on your computer’s spellcheck is a gamble; it won’t know if you meant “definitely” instead of “defiantly.” Read through all of your application materials and essays carefully. It’s always a good idea to have a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor review your materials for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Don’t Re-use Essays: While copying and pasting might save time, submitting an essay praising “University X” to “College Y” is a fast track to the waitlist. Always tailor your answers—especially for a school’s supplemental questions—to show your genuine interest and connection to that specific institution.
About Your Content
Don’t Use a Three-Page Resume: Unless you’ve secretly cured a disease and won a Pulitzer by age 17, experts agree that a one-page resume is perfectly sufficient for a high school student. The information from a longer, rambling resume can almost always be neatly condensed into the extracurriculars section of the application.
Don’t Overdo Extracurriculars: Focus on quality over quantity. You don’t need to be the president of the “Tuesday Afternoon Snack Club” just to pad your list. Instead of joining every available club, dedicate your time to a few activities you are truly passionate about. Be detailed and authentic in your descriptions, and be sure to highlight any leadership roles or measurable accomplishments.
Don’t Let Parents Take the Lead: This is your process. While parents should be a supportive resource and a helpful sounding board, the application and essay must be written in your voice. Colleges want to hear from you, not a highly polished version of your mother.
A Note on the BFCF Scholarship
We want to get to know the “whole person,” so be sure to let your true personality and passion shine through in your application materials.
Your personal statement is your unparalleled opportunity to tell us your unique story and explain how the financial need we help alleviate will serve as a stepping stone toward your long-term vision. Be authentic, be sincere, and be yourself—that’s what makes a truly lasting impression.
