C. Neatness, Accuracy, and the Lack of Mistakes Really Make a Difference

1. The appearance of an application is almost as important as what it says. Whatever method of filling out applications you use, it is extremely important that you do it “right.” Right means perfect or near perfect in terms of neatness; absolutely flawless when it comes to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the lack of typos. Your goal in filling out the application neatly is to make it EASY for the admissions officer to read.

2. A sloppy and/or incomplete application gives the readers one or more of these messages that you DON’T want them to get:

a) you’re an immature person

b) you don’t respect the reader

c) you are not taking the college admissions process seriously

d) their college is a back-up school

3. Having a good proofreader go over your application is one way of making sure that there are no silly mistakes, omissions, or errors. This is where a trusted parent, counselor, teacher, older sibling, or friend comes in. Ask them for help. This may make the difference between your being taken seriously as an applicant, or not--the latter being the quickest route to getting a rejection letter, something that you don’t want.

D. Follow the Application Directions

1. Before you type information onto online applications, Common Application or otherwise, be sure to first read the application instructions. It usually helps if you download and print directions, noting (better yet, highlighting or flagging) specific instructions. Know that Common Application colleges will often have additional directions in their respective Supplement sections.

2. Admissions people take note of when you don’t pay attention to their directions, and, frankly, they don’t like it at all. So if the directions say to write a 250-word essay, you’d better stick close to that number of words. If instructions specifically tell you to use the provided Activity List grid and not to submit a resume, do as they say. Fill in the grid or space they provide; don’t say, “See attached list” in the middle of it.

Following directions is a way of saying to the admissions reader that you are a responsible, attentive, and competent person, messages you want them to get.