Every college application tells a story. Ideally, it’s one of growth, curiosity, and potential. But sometimes, even the most talented students unknowingly send signals that work against them. As an advisor who has read dozens of applications with students, I’ve seen how small missteps can raise big red flags for admissions officers. The good news? These missteps are avoidable once you know what to look out for.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what not to do in your college application. Whether you’re just starting or doing final edits, understanding these red flags can make all the difference in how your story lands with admissions committees.
What Not to Do in Your College Application (Red Flags for Admissions)
Let’s be honest: college admissions officers are reading thousands of applications. They’re not just looking for academic excellence—they’re reading between the lines to assess authenticity, judgment, and fit. That’s why avoiding red flags is just as important as showcasing your strengths.
1. Submitting a Generic or Unfocused Personal Essay
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see is underestimating the personal essay. A vague, generic essay that could have been written by anyone is a major red flag. Admissions officers are looking for a personal voice, not a polished resume in paragraph form.
Take Maya, a student I worked with last year. Her first draft focused on how she “loves to learn.” It was sweet, but too broad. After some reflection, she wrote about translating for her grandmother at medical appointments—a story that showed her empathy, bilingual skills, and maturity. That version got her into three selective liberal arts colleges.
For guidance on how to shape your essay around authentic moments, check out our breakdown of the Common App prompts for 2025–2026.
2. Overloading on Activities Without Depth
I often tell students: admissions isn’t about how many things you’ve done—it’s about what those things say about you. A resume packed with ten clubs but no leadership or sustained involvement usually reads as superficial.
Admissions readers look for depth over breadth. If you’ve been in Model UN for three years and led a regional conference, that tells them a lot more than simply joining five clubs your senior year. If you’re unsure how to present your experiences, our guide on building a strong college resume walks you through it.
One student I supported, Luis, was worried that his job at a grocery store would seem unimpressive next to classmates in robotics or debate. But when we framed his experience around responsibility, time management, and supporting his family, it became a powerful part of his story.
3. Ignoring Instructions or Leaving Sections Incomplete
This one seems obvious, but it happens more than you think. Leaving parts of the application blank, submitting the wrong documents, or failing to follow word limits can suggest carelessness or lack of interest—two things colleges absolutely notice.
For instance, I once reviewed an application where a student uploaded a blank PDF as their supplemental essay. It wasn’t intentional, but it gave an immediate impression that they didn’t care enough to double-check. Always proofread, and give yourself several days before the deadline to catch preventable mistakes.
4. Writing “Why Us” Essays That Could Apply Anywhere
This is a huge missed opportunity. A vague “I love your beautiful campus and strong academics” essay doesn’t show genuine interest. Colleges want to know why you’re a match—not just that you’ve heard of them.
Jessica, a first-generation student I mentored, rewrote her essay for a small liberal arts college to mention a specific professor’s research and how it connected to her own goals in environmental advocacy. That specificity helped her stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
If you’re unsure how to express strong interest, our piece on demonstrated interest offers helpful strategies.
5. Being Dishonest or Exaggerating Achievements
This is a red flag that can have serious consequences. Whether it’s inflating your role in a project or claiming awards you didn’t win, dishonesty can be spotted—and in some cases, verified. Trust me, admissions officers aren’t naïve. They’ve seen it all.
More importantly, misrepresenting yourself undermines your integrity. And if you’re caught, your application could be denied outright or even revoked later. Be proud of what you’ve truly done. It’s enough—and it’s yours.
Other Common Application Pitfalls to Avoid
Beyond the big red flags, there are smaller missteps that can still weaken your application if you’re not careful.
Submitting Too Few or Too Many Applications
Applying to only one or two schools can be risky. On the flip side, submitting 20 applications without a clear strategy can overwhelm you and lead to lower-quality submissions. Finding your sweet spot is key. We’ve outlined smart strategies in our guide on how many colleges to apply to.
Not Preparing for Interviews
Some schools require or offer optional interviews. Failing to prepare—or worse, showing up disinterested—can hurt your chances. Take time to reflect on your goals and practice common questions. Our college interview prep guide is a great place to start.
Neglecting Letters of Recommendation
Picking the wrong recommender or giving them too little time can result in weak or generic letters. Choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your character and growth. You can learn how to approach this process in our article on getting strong recommendation letters.
Failing to Connect the Dots
Each part of your application—grades, activities, essays, recommendations—should paint a cohesive picture. If your application feels disjointed or inconsistent, it can confuse readers. Make sure your narrative threads through everything you submit.
FAQ: Red Flags and Application Mistakes
Can I recover from a red flag in my application?
Yes, depending on the issue. If it’s a small mistake like a typo or formatting error, it’s not likely to ruin your chances. But if it’s something more serious, like inconsistent information or a weak essay, you may need to address it in an optional section or additional materials.
Is it bad to have a gap in my extracurriculars?
Not necessarily. What matters is how you explain it. Use the additional information section to clarify circumstances like illness, family responsibilities, or work. Admissions officers appreciate transparency.
What if I change my major later—should I even declare one now?
It’s okay to be undecided, and many colleges expect that. However, if you do declare a major, make sure your application supports your interest in that field. Our article on declaring a major before admissions explains the pros and cons.
How do I know if my application feels “cohesive” enough?
A cohesive application has a central theme or thread. Think about what your activities, essays, and goals say about who you are. If they tell a consistent story—like a passion for social justice or a curiosity for how things work—you’re on the right track.
Final Thoughts: Tell the Story Only You Can Tell
I’ve helped students from all walks of life—first-generation applicants, homeschooled learners, international students—craft applications that reflect who they truly are. The most successful ones weren’t perfect. But they were honest, thoughtful, and self-aware.
Remember, the goal isn’t to impress admissions officers with what you think they want. It’s to show them who you are, what matters to you, and how you’ll contribute to their campus. Avoiding red flags is just part of that process.
For more guidance on what makes a strong application, I encourage you to explore our article on standing out in competitive admissions.
Your story matters. And if you tell it with clarity and heart, admissions teams will notice.