Applying to college is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming process. It’s a chance to plan your future, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common errors students and families make and how to avoid them.

1. Forgetting to Check if a School Offers Your Major

Imagine loving a school, only to find out later it doesn’t have the program you want. For example, a student excited about studying astrophysics might discover their dream school doesn’t offer it!

Solution

Take time to research. Look at the school’s website to see if they have the classes, majors, and programs you’re interested in.

2. Mixing Up Schools in Emails or Essays

Mistakes like emailing Boston University and mentioning UCLA, or sending an application essay referring to why you’d love to go to Ohio State University to many schools, can make a bad impression.

Solution

Double-check everything. Make sure each email and essay is written just for that school.

3. Applying Only to Famous or Selective Schools

Schools like UCLA, Cornell, or NYU are well-known, but they’re also hard to get into. If you only apply to these schools, or schools that have the same level of selectivity as these, you might not get admitted anywhere.

Solution

Create a mix of options. Apply to schools where you’re likely to be accepted, not just the most famous ones. Your high school counselor or school records can help you see where students with your grades and scores have gotten in.

4. Not Thinking About Costs

It’s exciting to get accepted to a college, but it can be upsetting if your family can’t afford it. Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better in higher education.

Solution

Talk about money early. Look at schools that are affordable for your family, including public colleges or international options that may cost less.

5. Applying to Competitive Programs Without the Right Background

If you apply to programs you aren’t qualified for, like computer science at Princeton without strong math grades, you’re unlikely to get in.

Solution

Be realistic. Apply to programs that match your skills and achievements.

6. Not Understanding How Competitive Schools Are Now

Parents might not realize how much harder it is to get into college now compared to when they applied. Schools like Northeastern or Columbia have very low acceptance rates today.

Solution

Look at the data. Research how many students apply to each school and how many get in, so you can set realistic goals.

7. Applying Just to Show Off

Some students apply to a lot of schools just to collect acceptance letters, even if they don’t plan to attend. Not only does this waste the time of the student, but also all the people that are helping that student to apply as well as the university admissions staff.

Solution

Focus on what matters. Apply only to schools that are a good fit for your academic goals and financial needs.

Find the Right School

By avoiding these mistakes, you can make the college application process smoother and less stressful. Remember, the goal isn’t to impress others with where you apply—it’s to find the right school for your future.