1. Aiming Too Low
You have a 3.0 GPA. You think, “I’ll apply to this unknown college in the middle of nowhere.”
Don’t. Apply to at least 2 ambitious universities. You never know. Maybe they like your essay.
2. Ignoring the SOP
Many students pay a “counselor” to write their SOP. Big mistake. Counselors use templates. “I am a hard-working student…”
Admissions officers read 1000s of these. They can smell a template. Write it yourself. Be raw. Be real.
3. Applying Late
Rolling admissions mean “First Come, First Served.” If you apply in January for a September intake, seats might be full. Apply in October/November.
4. Hiding Backlogs
Don’t lie. If you have a gap, explain it. “I took a year off to learn coding/help my family business.” That’s a valid reason. “I did nothing” is not.