Having spent nearly a decade as a college admissions officer at an Ivy-plus university, I've seen my fair share of applications—both dazzling and disappointing. The competition is fierce, but many talented students miss the mark not because they’re unqualified, but because of avoidable mistakes. Let me walk you through a few of these pitfalls, so you can make your application shine without stumbling over the usual hurdles.

1. Being One-Dimensional: Don’t Just Be the “Smart Kid”

It might sound strange, but I’ve seen students put all their eggs in one basket—focusing exclusively on their academic achievements. Look, your GPA and SAT scores are important, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. What colleges want to know is: Who are you outside of class? How do you approach challenges? What makes you tick?

Essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters are golden opportunities to show your character. I’ve always loved reading essays where a student’s passion—whether for music, social justice, or building robots—jumps off the page. Let your personality shine! Don’t be just the “smart kid” with a perfect GPA—be the smart kid who also started a community project or fell in love with 3D printing. Trust me, that’s memorable.

2. Choosing Bland or Cliché Essay Topics

Speaking of essays, don’t fall into the trap of playing it safe with a generic topic. Believe me, I’ve read countless essays about the big game, the summer job, or the volunteer trip that was “life-changing.” But if your essay could belong to anyone else, you’re not giving the admissions team a reason to remember you.

Instead, dig deep into personal experiences that reveal your uniqueness. For example, if you’ve participated in a research experience program , write about what that taught you. These programs provide hands-on exposure to research that you can’t get from textbooks alone. Whether you discovered a love for data analysis or learned how to collaborate with a team, those insights can show growth in a way a typical “winning the championship” essay can’t. Be real and specific, not cookie-cutter.

3. Ignoring Supplemental Essays

Ah, the supplemental essays. They might feel like a nuisance, but please—don’t skimp here. These essays are designed to figure out if you’re a good fit for the school’s culture and community. A generic response to a “Why our school?” prompt is a missed opportunity. When I read vague, copy-pasted answers, it’s obvious.

Instead, take the time to understand what makes each school different. Does their curriculum match your learning style? Are there clubs or research opportunities that align with your interests? Personalize your response. A school wants to know why you're genuinely excited about attending—not that you just slapped their name into a template. Make them feel special, like they’re your top choice.

4. Typos, Typos, Typos

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of typos myself. It happens. But a college application isn’t the place for sloppy mistakes. You’d be surprised how many applications I’ve read that have basic errors—things like spelling mistakes, inconsistent formatting, or even the wrong school’s name! It makes you wonder if the student really cared about their submission.

My advice? Proofread, proofread, and then proofread again. Better yet, get someone else to take a look—a teacher, a friend, or even your grandma. Fresh eyes catch things you might miss after staring at the same screen for hours.

5. Missing Deadlines and Overlooking Requirements

Deadlines are non-negotiable in college admissions. When a deadline passes, that’s it—the door closes. I’ve seen promising applications tossed aside simply because they were submitted late or because a key requirement was overlooked. It’s heartbreaking, and it's 100% avoidable.

Stay organized. Create a spreadsheet with deadlines for each school you’re applying to, and make sure you know exactly what’s required. Some schools want specific recommendation letters, others may need a portfolio or an interview. Double-check everything—and give yourself a buffer of at least a week to avoid any last-minute panic.

6. Not Showcasing Leadership or Initiative

One thing that consistently stood out to me as an admissions officer was leadership. It doesn’t have to be traditional leadership—like being class president—but demonstrating initiative, creativity, and problem-solving is key. Did you lead a team project, start a club, or tackle a research problem? Even if it’s something smaller, like organizing a local charity event, it shows you can take charge and make things happen.

Leadership can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, and it’s not always about titles. Maybe you didn’t have an official leadership position, but you took initiative in your research experience program, collaborating with peers and solving challenges along the way. Make sure to emphasize these examples—they set you apart as someone who doesn’t just follow the pack.

7. Filling Your Application with “Fluff”

Less is more. Sometimes, students feel the need to list every activity they’ve ever been involved in—from elementary school choir to a weekend volunteer gig. Don’t fall into this trap. It’s better to focus on a few meaningful experiences rather than cramming in a long list of filler activities. When I read an application packed with irrelevant details, it feels like you’re trying to “pad” your resume.

Instead, dive deeper into the experiences that truly matter. Did you spend summers conducting experiments in a lab or working part-time while managing schoolwork? Highlight what you learned from these experiences—how they shaped your goals or expanded your worldview.

8. Choosing the Wrong Recommender

Recommendation letters are often an underutilized asset. Too many students pick recommenders based solely on prestige—like a famous teacher or the school principal—rather than someone who actually knows them well. But a letter full of generic praise doesn’t help much.

Pick recommenders who’ve seen you grow, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in a research setting. It’s not about who has the most impressive title—it’s about who can speak to your potential. And don’t forget to give them enough time to write a thoughtful, personalized letter.

9. Not Seeking Feedback Before You Submit

Last but not least, get feedback! Your application is too important to go at it alone. Whether it’s a college counselor, a mentor, or even a friend, someone else can offer perspectives you might not have considered. I’ve often suggested edits that students hadn’t thought of but which made a huge difference.

Feedback is crucial—don’t skip this step. It can be the difference between a good application and a great one.

Avoiding these common mistakes can give your application the edge it needs. College admissions aren’t just about numbers; they’re about telling your story in the best possible way. And remember—perfection isn’t the goal, but preparation is half the battle. You’ve got this!