10 common application mistakes, according to top universities

To have your application stand out against the hundreds or even thousands of applications university programmes receive each year, it’s important to be concise and straight to the point about what you have to bring to the university and why want to study the course.  

Rajput sees hundreds of personal statements in his role as a QS counsellor. It’s the essays that feel longwinded, lack focus and don’t demonstrate a passion for the programme that he believes don’t succeed in receiving an offer.  

“Think about the key points you want to make and build your application around a solid structure, using examples of your relevant experience. Make sure you refer to the programme structure and how that will benefit your future career plans,” Rajput said.  

As you start writing your personal statement (or statement of purpose) and come face-to-face with a blank page, it can feel overwhelming. At this stage, many students opt for a famous quote or cliché to set the scene, but universities suggest staying away from this overused idea.  

Stephanie Wood, head of international student recruitment at the University of Bristol said: “Whether from authors, philosophers, poets or businesspeople – avoid using too many clichés or quotes from other people. Universities want to hear from you! 

“Instead, try to focus on how people have inspired you and the impact it has had on your development. Quotes taken out of context can seem pretentious and add very little to your application.”  

Another common application mistake that Stephanie sees frequently is students exaggerating the truth or even making up achievements to appear more suitable for a programme.  

Mistruths make it difficult for universities to understand who you really are and how you may perform in your degree. By making up experiences and examples, you give the university a fraudulent view of who you are and what you will bring to the classroom.  

You’re also cheating yourself out of your own growth by thinking you have to be more than you already are.  

Stephanie said: “Even if it seems like a small fib, you may be caught out if you are invited to an interview and asked questions about your experiences. Be truthful and make sure your application is a real reflection of you and your skills.” 

As well as thoroughly researching the admissions requirements for each university, it’s important to query any international differences if you choose to study abroad.  

Stephen Lewin is regional marketing director (emerging markets) at Griffith University in Australia, where documentation must be notarised by a university or college registrar, headteacher, or an official representative at the university.  

“Submitting copies of official documentation that have not been notarised is a common issue for us. It can delay the application process and impact your chances of getting onto your chosen programme if we have lots of people applying and our admission staff need to chase you for completed documentation.”  

Completing a university application takes time. If you’re applying to multiple institutions, it’s an even longer process. If you’re dedicated to finding the right programme for you, you must create the time and headspace to research, write and proof each application before the deadline. 

Some universities have multiple deadlines, and some applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis – especially if it’s a postgraduate degree.  

One of the most common application mistakes that Griffith University sees is students leaving it too late to apply, and running out of time to secure a visa before the programme begins. 

“We always recommend that you apply at least six months ahead of the deadline. There are several steps in a university application that take time to complete,” Stephen said.  

If you haven’t written a university application before, it can be difficult to know how to write about your experiences.  

Sometimes students will include relevant experiences they’ve had – whether it’s work experience and placements, volunteering opportunities or projects they’ve been involved in – but forget to talk about what they learned. 

“That’s where the gold is,” says Baddeley, admissions officer at Loughborough University. “It’s about showing the skills and thinking you’ve developed around an experience, not just the fact you experienced it. If you managed to gain work experience related to the programme you’re applying to, tell us what it taught you about working in the field, or what it taught you about yourself.”  

Beyond the application process, you may be asked to attend an interview for the programme or in response to your visa application if studying abroad. Sometimes these interviews can take place with a few days' notice, so it’s helpful to prepare for interview as part of your application. 

Peace Idoko is a QS counsellor for the Africa and Central Europe region. She said: “An interview is your chance to show who you are and why you think the programme will help your career and future. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask more questions about the programme and how you will be supported.  

“Preparation is key. Ask your friends or family members to practise with you and consider working with a higher education counsellor for expert guidance on how to ace your course or visa interview. At QS, we have knowledge from a large number of universities and can help you understand what questions you may be asked and how to provide an effective answer.