By Kunal Mehra

As we inch closer to December, the nerves of the application season become much more evident. It can be a stressful and frustrating time for all of us, counselors and students alike.

Even if you plan 3, 6, or 12 months ahead of the application due dates, deadlines sneak up, essays require changes and details get missed. Here are some top tips on your to-do checklist and mistakes you want to avoid during the application process.

Curating your College List

Having the right School Selection Strategy will impact your application and — most importantly — acceptance results. Build your research based on various factors outside of rankings, such as their location, financial aid structure, campus culture, career potential and most importantly the impact this opportunity would have on your life.

Showcase Deep Interest in the College – Apply Early Action!

These applications are a great opportunity to showcase universities, and your intent of choosing them over other options and give you a definite advantage in the numbers game, as fewer students apply in the Early Action cycle.

Have fruitful conversations with alumni, current students and professors, which not only let them know you have been doing your research but also you can decide how good of a fit the university is for your goals.

Let the Personal Essay show your personality

Writing personal statements is difficult! The essay is the opportunity for you to concisely explain the thesis of your application,i.e., why should the college admit you. To tackle this well, you need to start early and take your time. Incorporate tactics like writing by hand, which gives you time to think and choose words carefully and don’t get trapped in writer’s block. If you hit a stumbling block, leave the page behind and take some time to think as you exercise.

Remember, success is measured by the quality of your essay, not how quickly you wrote it!

Improve your acceptance chances

Don’t be afraid to seek professional support, if you feel stuck. Thousands of students each year use counseling services to get a leg up in the admissions game. Whether you speak to your school counselor or an industry expert, you stand to gain much from an external perspective, which can often be the difference in getting accepted or rejected.

And now for some of the common mistakes that Indian students make, which you want to avoid at every cost.

Not telling your story

Often, students get too caught up in a specific scene or role model. Instead of spending time detailing what your grandfather wore the day he took you on a fishing trip that changed your perspective on global warming, talk about what it is your grandpa did to change your perspective.

Remember, Admission Officers want to read an essay that offers new insights into the student.

Not letting your voice be heard

By no means should you submit an essay without having an editor look it over (more than twice), but be sure throughout rounds and rounds of editing, your voice remains consistent, vibrant and apparent throughout.

The essay is your golden opportunity to voice your personality. Don’t make the mistake of allowing your editors to hijack that voice.

Asking the wrong teacher for a recommendation

I always suggest my students to head to the teacher who knows them best and can share insights into your growth, ideally throughout high school. Don’t be lazy and take recommendations from the teacher who gave you the best grade.

Extracurricular activities

Remember, it’s all about quality not quantity when listing your extracurriculars. Many colleges consider “demonstrated interests” in their admission decision, so it’s important to include clubs, leadership positions, etc. that relate to your major or college that you are applying to.

Ensure you avoid these mistakes and put your best application forward.

“Don’t forget, Top Universities are looking for students who stick out from the crowd, experts in their area of interest. They’re searching for students who have transformed their big dreams into even bigger realities. They want world-changers who are making positive marks on society with their resources.”

(Author is Country Head, Crimson Education)