Common App 2025: Tips, Mistakes to Avoid, and How to Stand Out

The Common App is used by over 1,000 colleges. Making mistakes can hurt your chances at multiple schools simultaneously.

Key Mistakes to Avoid

Grammatical and spelling errors

Plagiarism (applications are checked)

Listing achievements instead of telling a story

Focusing too much on other people

Not previewing after copy-pasting

Waiting until the last minute

Using the same essay without customizing

Putting activity awards in the Honors section

Unprofessional email address

Controversial social media posts

Skipping optional essays

Start early - no downside to beginning in August

Pick an essay prompt that makes you feel something

Keep it authentic and use storytelling

Edit multiple times and get feedback

Preview everything before submitting

Our Essay Brainstorming tool helps you develop compelling topics while keeping your authentic voice.