As the November deadlines loom, many students are making final touches on their Common Applications. To ensure your application stands out for the right reasons, it’s crucial to avoid mistakes that can undermine your hard work. Here are ten common pitfalls students are making this year—mistakes that you can easily avoid before hitting that "Submit" button.

1. Adding Titles to Your Essays

Admissions officers prefer essays that get straight to the point. Using precious word count for a title is a big no-no. Titles eat into the word count that could be better spent sharing your voice and story. Focus entirely on the body of your essay; adding a title is unnecessary and can even make a negative impression.

2. Overusing Quotations

Admissions officers want to hear your voice and thoughts, not someone else’s words. While a brief quote can be effective if used sparingly, relying heavily on dialogue or other people's statements diminishes the focus on your personal perspective. Make sure the majority of your essay reflects your unique insights and reflections.

3. Including a Resume

Most colleges don’t require or even want a resume. The activity list within the Common App provides all the necessary information. Submitting a resume can seem like overkill and may leave admissions officers feeling overwhelmed. Instead, put your energy into perfecting the activities section that’s already built into the application.

4. Using Abbreviations Without Explanation

Don’t assume admissions officers know every abbreviation, especially those specific to your school or local community. Spell out terms the first time you use them, whether they appear in essays, activity descriptions, or honors lists. This small effort ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion.

5. Sending Extra Letters of Recommendation

Some colleges allow extra letters of recommendation, but that doesn’t mean they’re encouraged. Admissions officers often have limited time to review each application, and additional materials can slow the process down. Stick to the requested number of letters unless you have an exceptional reason—like a mentor who knows you in a unique context.

6. Listing College Summer Programs

Attending a college-sponsored summer program may seem impressive, but in many cases, these are viewed as pay-to-play experiences. Listing these programs can inadvertently signal privilege, which may not help your application. Additionally, listing a program hosted by another college might make admissions officers question your commitment to their institution.

7. Mismatched Major Choice and Career Goals

When completing both the Common App and specific college supplements, it’s important to align your chosen major with your career goals. For example, if you choose a liberal arts major but list business as your career interest, it might look like you’re trying to bypass a more competitive business program. Ensure consistency to avoid raising any red flags.

8. Reporting Class Rank or GPA When It’s Not Official

Only report class rank or GPA if it’s included on your official transcript. If your school doesn’t provide these, select "None" on the Common App. Adding unofficial ranks or GPA can lead to discrepancies, which admissions officers might view as misleading.

9. Not Indicating Shared Leadership Roles

If you share a leadership position—such as being Co-Captain or Co-President—be upfront about it. Honesty in reporting shared roles reflects well on you and doesn’t diminish the significance of your leadership. Admissions officers value collaboration just as much as individual achievement.

10. Reporting Low AP Scores

AP scores are usually optional in the application process. If you choose to self-report scores, only include those that strengthen your application. A score of 4 or lower may not support your application, especially for highly selective schools. Be strategic—only report scores that will help you stand out.



With many colleges setting November deadlines for early action and early decision, now is the time to review every detail of your Common App. Avoiding these ten common mistakes can make a big difference in how admissions officers perceive your application. Take the time to make sure your application is polished, concise, and entirely reflective of your best self.