The Six Deadly Admissions Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs
- Chioma Isiadinso, CEO EXPARTUS

1) Avoid Achievement Inflation

Integrity is a major characteristic that schools look for in their candidates. It is important not to stretch the truth to appear stronger or more appealing. This will certainly backfire and can often be a major deal breaker for an applicant's candidacy. Report only what you have done (not what you hope to achieve) and when possible, quantify and provide evidence to back this up. In the high stake admission world, it is highly likely that the school will conduct their due diligence of their candidates. Authenticity is at the foundation of any successful candidate.

2) Avoid Interpersonal Skills Flags

Interpersonal skill flags are one of the major mistakes that can result in an unpleasant admission outcome. The usual suspects include flags of arrogance, weak communication skills, inability to work effectively in groups/teams, and shyness. It is important to be aware of what signals you and your recommenders are conveying in your application. The more self aware you are and the more time you take to prepare your application, the more effective you will be in addressing your developmental areas.

Also, have people who know you very well review your essays and provide you with candid feedback about how you come across on paper. This is particularly important since no school wants to admit an arrogant, self-absorbed individual who would be obnoxious in class. Conversely, schools are also wary of admitting individuals whose communication skills aren't up to snuff especially given the level of team projects at top schools.

3) Follow Instructions

This is a simple one, yet many people fall into this trap. This is particularly evident in two areas, namely, the length of the essays and number of recommendation letters. The schools have carefully selected their essays and word limit and have made a commitment to give your application the attention it deserves. Failure to follow directions may raise all sorts of flags about the candidate.

4) Avoid Vague and Canned Essays

While the standardized tests and G.P.A provide information about your intellectual horsepower and ability to handle the course work, the essays are vital evaluative measures since they provide the Board with critical insight into who you are and why you have made the decisions you have made. The essays are really one of the main places where you can shine. Vague essays suggest that the candidate lacks depth and perspective, a sure reason to get "dinged".

Authenticity is of utmost importance in the application process. Write your own story not what you think the Admissions Board wants to hear even if it seems off the beaten path. The important thing is to demonstrate why the degree is right for you and how it fits with your background and goals.

5) Avoid Laundry Lists

Schools are not looking for individuals who have done a little bit of everything. It is more important to have quality involvement instead of a long laundry list. Schools are looking for people with a passion to impact others and organizations. It is more meaningful for candidates to have two or three activities that they have invested their time into than to have a list of ten activities with superficial involvement. The same goes for internship and work experience. It is more important to have held fewer jobs where you demonstrated solid leadership and impact than a resume of job-hopping and little evidence of real impact.

6) Avoid Spelling and Grammatical Errors

This goes without saying. Use spell check. Have multiple readers review your essays (not write them for you). A careless error can cost you a coveted spot and that is a risk not worth taking.