1.                  Application was submitted late, that is, after December 1^st.

(Tip: Know all college deadlines and submit your application and other admissions requirements well in advance of any deadlines. The best time to submit college applications is between September 15^th and November 1^st.)

2.                  Application was incomplete or done sloppily and carelessly with cross outs, misspellings, and different colored inks and pencil.

(Tip: Make a copy of the application before filling it out and use the copy as a worksheet. Then transfer all information neatly and legibly to the college application.)

3.                  Didn’t follow up on application to see that all information, application fee, transcripts, S.A.T. scores, etc. were submitted properly and received by college.

(Tip: Several weeks after submitting an application follow up with a phone call or letter to the college admissions office.)

4.                  Low grades, low test scores, and little if any involvement in school-related activities.

(Tip: Study hard every day, prepare for S.A.T.’s by using the study guide provided, and take a serious interest in school clubs, sports, plays, etc.)

5.                  Didn’t request an interview or didn’t go to admissions interview prepared with scholastic records, resume, or pertinent questions to ask.

(Tip: Arrange for a tour of the college campus and an admission interview and go to the interview prepared.)

6.                  Showed little if any interest in school. Applied only because friends were applying.

(Tip: Your friends are who are important now may not be important in a month, a year, or in several years from now.)

7.                  Didn’t take appropriate high school courses in relation to intended college major.

(Tip: Consult with your guidance counselor about you course selection in relation to your career goals. Taking the right senior courses can and often make the difference.)

8.                  Student had a poor resume or no resume at all.

(Tip: English teachers will show you how to write or polish your resume. Be sure to include what you have accomplished and what you are currently doing.)

9.                  Student was not involved in school or community.

(Tip: Get involved in anything that benefits your school or community in some way.)

10.              Student did not write an admissions essay when given the option of writing one.

(Tip: Write about something you like, like to do, or are good at, and have several people including an English teacher or two read the essay for improvements. No essay shows a lack of interest and a poorly written essay shows a lack of concern.)