10 College Application Dos and Don'ts Every Student Should Know
Applying to college is an exciting milestone, but the process can quickly become overwhelming. Between researching universities, writing personal essays, requesting recommendations and meeting deadlines, students have plenty to manage before receiving an admission decision.
A successful college application requires more than strong grades and an impressive list of extracurricular activities. Students also need to demonstrate preparation, communicate their interests clearly and make informed decisions about where they want to study.
Michael McMahon, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment Management at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, oversees enrollment strategies that connect prospective students with educational opportunities. His leadership role highlights the importance of approaching college selection as a thoughtful process rather than simply completing admission requirements.
Similarly, Shelley Dodd, Director of Admissions at the University of Wyoming, has emphasized the value of creating a welcoming environment for prospective students and their families. In her work overseeing enrollment and admissions, helping students become familiar with campus life is an important part of the recruitment experience.
Understanding what to prioritize and which mistakes to avoid can make the application process easier to navigate. Here are 10 essential dos and don'ts to help students prepare stronger applications and make confident college decisions.
1. DO: Start Preparing Your College Applications Early
One of the best ways to reduce application stress is to begin preparing well before submission deadlines.
Students should use the months leading up to their senior year to research colleges, understand admission requirements and develop a realistic application schedule. Starting early provides more time to revise essays, gather supporting documents and request recommendation letters.
Early preparation also allows students to explore academic programs and campus opportunities without feeling pressured to make immediate decisions.
Rather than completing every application at once, students can divide the process into manageable tasks and establish weekly goals.
2. DON'T: Wait Until the Last Minute to Submit Applications
Procrastination can create unnecessary problems during an already demanding process.
Students who rush to complete applications shortly before a deadline are more likely to overlook important details, submit unfinished essays or forget required documents.
Technical difficulties can also occur when uploading materials or submitting online forms. Waiting until the final hours leaves little time to resolve unexpected issues.
Aim to submit completed applications several days before the official deadline whenever possible. This provides an opportunity to address missing information and confirm that everything has been received.
3. DO: Communicate With College Admissions Offices
Admissions representatives can be valuable resources when students have questions about application requirements, academic programs, financial aid or campus experiences.
Students should feel comfortable contacting admissions offices to clarify instructions or request information that is not readily available online.
At the University of Wyoming, Dodd has publicly emphasized creating a campus environment where prospective students and families feel welcome and can interact with members of the university community.
Taking advantage of campus visits, information sessions and opportunities to speak with admissions staff can help applicants better understand what a college offers.
Students should prepare specific questions before reaching out. Asking about academic advising, internship opportunities or student support services can provide information that goes beyond general admissions materials.
4. DON'T: Contact Admissions Representatives Excessively
While communication is encouraged, repeatedly contacting admissions officers about the same issue can become counterproductive.
Students should avoid sending multiple follow-up emails within a short period, requesting constant application updates or asking questions already answered on the university's website.
Instead, applicants should keep their inquiries organized and allow reasonable time for admissions representatives to respond.
It is also important for students to take ownership of their applications rather than relying entirely on parents or guardians to communicate with colleges.
Professional, respectful communication demonstrates maturity and helps students build confidence as they prepare for college.
5. DO: Research Colleges Before Applying
Choosing where to apply requires careful consideration of more than a university's reputation or national ranking.
Students should investigate academic programs, campus culture, class sizes, career preparation opportunities, housing and student support resources.
From an enrollment management perspective, the work overseen by McMahon at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reflects how institutions connect recruitment, financial aid and the broader student experience. For applicants, those same areas provide useful criteria when evaluating colleges.
Students should consider whether a university offers the academic and personal support they need to succeed.
Virtual tours, campus visits, conversations with current students and academic department websites can all provide helpful insights.
The goal is to identify institutions that align with individual interests, educational goals and financial circumstances.
6. DON'T: Apply to Colleges Without a Clear Strategy
Submitting applications to a large number of universities does not automatically improve a student's chances of finding the right college.
Every application requires time, attention and, in many cases, an application fee. Applying indiscriminately can make it difficult to give each institution the consideration it deserves.
Instead, students should develop a balanced college list that includes institutions with varying levels of admission selectivity.
Each school should offer something meaningful, whether that involves a particular degree program, campus environment, location or financial aid opportunity.
Students should also ensure that every institution on their list is one they would genuinely consider attending.
A focused application strategy makes it easier to prepare thoughtful essays and complete school-specific requirements.
7. DO: Explore Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities Early
College affordability should be part of the application process from the beginning, not an afterthought once admission decisions arrive.
Students should research scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and other financial assistance programs while evaluating potential colleges.
They should also review financial aid application requirements and understand how institutional scholarships may differ from federal or state assistance.
At the University of Wyoming, enrollment leadership has previously emphasized the importance of giving prospective students sufficient information about financial aid before they make enrollment decisions.
For example, the university extended its enrollment confirmation deadline in 2024 to provide families with additional time to review financial aid opportunities following delays in the FAFSA process.
Students who begin financial planning early have more time to identify scholarship deadlines, prepare required documentation and compare potential costs.
8. DON'T: Assume a College Is Unaffordable Based on Tuition Alone
A university's advertised tuition price does not always reflect what a student will ultimately pay.
Some institutions offer substantial institutional grants, merit scholarships or need-based assistance that can reduce the cost of attendance.
Students should distinguish between the published cost of attending a university and the estimated net price after grants and scholarships.
Net price calculators can provide a preliminary estimate of what a family might expect to pay, although actual financial aid offers may differ.
When comparing colleges, applicants should consider tuition, housing, meals, transportation, books and other expenses.
It is also important to understand whether scholarships are renewable and what academic requirements must be maintained to continue receiving assistance.
A college with higher published tuition may sometimes be more affordable than another institution after financial aid is considered.
9. DO: Keep Application Materials and Deadlines Organized
Managing several college applications requires a reliable organizational system.
Students should maintain a central record of application deadlines, required essays, recommendation requests, financial aid forms and submission confirmations.
A spreadsheet, digital calendar or dedicated application tracker can help prevent important tasks from being overlooked.
Applicants should also create separate folders for each college to store essays, correspondence and supporting documents.
Before submitting an application, students should review the university's requirements and verify that every section is complete.
After submission, regularly checking applicant portals and email accounts can help students respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Good organization not only reduces stress but also allows students to devote more attention to the quality of their applications.
10. DON'T: Let the Application Process Take Over Your Life
College admissions can feel like the most important challenge students have faced, but it should not consume every part of their senior year.
Students still need time for academics, friendships, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities and personal interests.
Constantly comparing grades, test scores and admission outcomes with classmates can create unnecessary pressure.
It is important to remember that college admission decisions depend on many factors, and receiving a rejection does not determine a student's future success.
Maintaining a healthy routine, setting realistic expectations and taking breaks can help students stay motivated throughout the process.
Students should focus on presenting an authentic picture of their accomplishments, interests and aspirations rather than trying to create an application they believe every admissions committee wants to see.
Making the Most of the College Application Process
A strong college application begins with preparation, thoughtful research and attention to detail. Students who understand admission requirements, communicate effectively and plan ahead are better positioned to navigate the process with confidence.
The enrollment perspectives represented by Michael McMahon at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and Shelley Dodd at the University of Wyoming also reinforce the importance of looking beyond admission decisions. Choosing a college involves understanding the academic experience, financial commitments and support systems that will shape a student's education.
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to receive as many acceptance letters as possible. It is to find a college where students can pursue their interests, develop their abilities and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Applications
1. What are the most important things to do when applying to college?
Start preparing early, research colleges carefully and keep track of application deadlines. Students should also write thoughtful personal essays, request recommendation letters in advance and explore financial aid opportunities. Reviewing every application before submission can help prevent mistakes.
2. What are the most common mistakes students make on college applications?
Common mistakes include missing deadlines, submitting generic essays, overlooking application requirements and failing to proofread. Students may also focus too heavily on college rankings instead of considering academic programs, affordability and campus fit.
3. How many colleges should students apply to?
Many students apply to approximately five to 10 colleges, although the ideal number depends on their goals, budget and admission prospects. A balanced list should include likely, target and reach schools. Students should prioritize colleges they would genuinely be interested in attending rather than applying to as many institutions as possible.
