Is Your College Application Ready to Submit?
With Christmas around the corner, the countdown to January college application deadlines is officially on. In the rush to hit “submit” and check applications off your to-do list, it’s easy to overlook small but critical details. Before you finalize your submission, consider this:
College admissions officers spend less than 10 minutes on an application.
That’s right—admissions officers will review every part of your application but likely won’t revisit it. They won’t click on links in your additional information section, or will they research obscure acronyms in your activities list. Their goal is to process thousands of applications efficiently, so clarity, conciseness, and consistency are your best friends.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point, so don’t let avoidable mistakes undermine your efforts. Here are 8 steps to make sure your application is ready to submit.
1. Set a Personal Deadline Before the Actual Deadline
Check the application requirements and verify the specific submission deadlines, as they may vary. Then, set a personal deadline at least 48 hours before the official one. This buffer gives you breathing room for unexpected issues, whether it’s a technical glitch or last-minute correction.
2. Double-Check Your Essays (and Read Them Aloud)
Your essays are one of the most impactful parts of your application, offering admissions officers a glimpse into your character, values, interests, and accomplishments. Even if you feel confident about your writing, it’s always wise to let your essays sit for a day or two before revisiting them with fresh eyes.
Read them out loud to ensure they flow naturally and reflect your authentic voice. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to read them aloud to you. It’s amazing how small tweaks can make a big difference.
3. Confirm You Have All Supplemental Documents
Applications often require more than just essays and forms. These might include:
School report
Counselor and teacher recommendations
Official transcripts
Supplemental essays or videos
If you are applying to specific programs (e.g., engineering, business, or medicine), you may need additional materials, like portfolios or major-specific essays. Double-check that everything is submitted, as missing documents could delay the review of your application.
4. Proofread and Check for Consistencies
Careless errors can detract from your hard work. Review your application for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes, as well as overall readability.
Next, check for consistency across all sections. Ensure your activities, achievements, and timelines align with what’s mentioned in your essays or additional information section. Inconsistencies can raise unnecessary questions.
5. Submit Your Standardized Test Scores
While many colleges are test-optional, some still require official standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, sent directly from testing organizations. If you’re an international student, don’t forget to submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) if required.
6. Save a Copy of Your Application
Before you submit, print a copy of your completed application or save screenshots of each page. After submitting, keep a copy of the confirmation page for your records. This ensures you’ll have proof of submission in case of technical issues.
7. Prepare for Potential Interviews
If any of the colleges on your list conduct interviews (especially selective ones), it’s a good idea to start preparing now. Practice answering common interview questions and articulating your experiences.
If you can, role-play with a friend or family member. If not, record yourself on your phone and watch the playback to refine your delivery. Think of interviews as an opportunity to bring your application to life.
8. Make Sure You Didn’t Leave Anything Out
Your application is your personal highlight reel. To make sure it fully captures who you are, take a blank sheet of paper and list 30 details you want colleges to know about you. These could include quirks, accomplishments, values, or impactful experiences.
Now, cross-check this list with your application. Are these details reflected in your personal statement, activities list, supplemental essays, or even your additional information section? If anything is missing, find a way to include it before submitting.
If you are unsure whether your application is ready or just want expert advice, we’re here to help. At All-Out, we specialize in making sure your application reflects your best self. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re rooting for you every step of the way!