1.They write unoriginal college essays.
Every year, admissions officers read hundreds of essays about the same topics, such as “how my work on Student Government at Ossining High School taught me the value of hard-work and responsibility,” and “how my volunteer work in the Appalachian mountains showed me the importance of helping others.” Successful applicants avoid clichéd topics and instead write revealing, original essays that only they could tell.
2.They don’t select the right teachers to write their letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation have to do more than cite your academic and personal qualities. A teacher’s letter of recommendation has to clearly communicate to an admissions committee what kinds of contributions you make to the classroom. Often, the best teachers to write your letters of recommendation are not those who taught the course in which you earned the highest grade.
3.They write safe, unrevealing applications
When faced with application questions like, “what is one thing you wish you understood better?” or “If you were in our shoes, what would you look for in an applicant?,” many students are so concerned with what sounds good that they fail to showcase their real personality and quality of thinking. Successful applicants, on the other hand, use applications as tools share what makes them unique. They aren’t afraid to answer questions honestly and truthfully.
4.They don’t seek the right college match
Colleges want to know how they earned a place on your list – and you have to have more to say than just “You have a good reputation and a pretty campus.” Remember, colleges aren’t just deciding if you are right for them; they are also deciding if they are right for you. Successful applicants focus on finding the best “fit” between them and their potential schools, and they communicate this match very clearly within their applications.
5.They lack a cohesive plan for finding and applying to the right college
The college search, selection and application process is time consuming. Start early. Successful applicants complete a thorough college search and selection process during the junior year, leaving themselves plenty of time to complete applications and essays without the pressures of impending deadlines.
For more information about Collegewise or our college counseling programs, call us in White Plains at (914) 285-8495, or email us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Croton-on-Hudson resident Alex Weiner has taught, written for and counseled students on college admission & test preparation both domestically & internationally. He owns and runs Collegewise, and had been interviewed to discuss the college admissions process and standardized test preparation by The New York Times. While other kids spend their middle and high school years playing basketball or practicing the clarinet, Alex sat in his room memorizing the World Book Encyclopedia and the Oxford American Dictionary. In spite of this he got into college. You can contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (914) 285-8495.
