10 common application mistakes, according to top universities

There are plenty of application mistakes that students make in the excitement (or panic) of applying to university.  

Without thorough research, a solid understanding of why you want to study at your chosen institutions and the right guidance, it can be easy to make mistakes that could harm your chances of being accepted. 

Before you start applying to your shortlisted universities, read the 10 most common application mistakes according to three top universities and QS education counsellors.  

1. Having spelling and grammar errors in your personal statement 

The most common application mistake that universities see is spelling and grammatical errors in your personal statement. Universities must read through thousands of essays, and it becomes clear when students haven’t given their essay much time and energy.  

Your university application “may be the only opportunity to showcase your written skills,” according to Stephanie Wood, head of international student recruitment at the University of Bristol.  

“Careless mistakes could lead to a poor impression, especially for courses requiring lots of written work,” she said. 

“Make sure your spelling is accurate and don't rely on a computerised spell check as your application needs a human eye. Re-read and ask friends or family to proof-read with you.”  

2. Skipping over the application requirements 

“You’d be surprised how many students don’t read the admissions requirements thoroughly before applying to university”, says QS counsellor Princepal Rajput.  

Each university will have its own specific requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to read these thoroughly before pulling together your application.  

“If you’re an international student, there can be even more to think about from financial requirements to visa applications and submitting language and intelligence tests,” Rajput said. 

“Students who choose to apply to universities with QS can receive advice and guidance on the application process. As higher education counsellors, we can ensure all requirements are met and everything is submitted on time.”  

3. Not tailoring your application to each university 

Another common mistake when applying to universities is to write one application for all programmes and institutions on your list. If you really want to study at your dream university and make sure the programme is right for you, take the time to tailor your essay for each application. 

Fiona Baddeley is an admissions officer at Loughborough University. She said: “It’s surprising how many personal statements don’t even mention the programme.”  

She recommends that students “proof-read their personal statement thoroughly to ensure the university and programme applied to is correct throughout. That’s a common mistake for those applying to several universities. Don’t generalise, talk about the specific programme and refer to the individual modules you’re interested in.” 

4. Making your personal statement too long 

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.  

5. Using quotes and clichés 

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.”  

6. Making up achievements 

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.” 

7. Submitting incomplete documents 

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.”  

8. Leaving it too late to write a strong application

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.  

9. Not focusing on the lessons you’ve learned from experiences 

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.”  

10. Not preparing for interviews 

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.