The Most Common Mistakes Seniors Make on College Apps

Sometimes we have to learn by doing, but a college application certainly isn’t the time for that approach. That’s why today, we are sharing common mistakes we see seniors make on college applications all too often. We know our audience, and the mistakes they are susceptible to making. Press play to hear us highlight what we’ve noticed, what to do instead, and whose guidance to heed along the way. We touch on which schools to apply to, essay tips, and what to make of school rankings before unpacking some essential considerations that will help you to determine which institution is the best fit for your child, and much more today. Thanks for tuning in to another episode! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:01:25] Today’s topic: the biggest mistakes that we see seniors make on college applications over and over again. 
• [0:02:28] The mistake many seniors make by following the advice of their peers. 
• [0:05:59] Why it is a mistake to apply to too many top schools.
• [0:10:15] Why a 17-year-old’s definition of a good application essay differs from ours.
• [0:14:07] The mistake of never stopping to offer an explanation, and offering a list instead.
• [0:18:02] Why it is a mistake to choose a school based only on name and rank.
• [0:19:32] How rankings are calculated and why this is often unrelated to the undergraduate experience.
• [0:20:42] Considerations that help to determine fit.
• [0:21:29] Why, if you are taking your kids to see schools, you should include less selective colleges.
• [0:26:41] The number one biggest mistake we have seen kids make in their applications.
• [0:28:13] How early to begin completing your application process.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram