Complete and proofread apps

Overview

With application deadline approaching (November 1 for ED/EA), you must complete and thoroughly proofread every application. Even small errors—typos, wrong info, formatting issues—can negatively impact admissions decisions. This task is about quality control.

Proofreading Checklist for Each Application

Common App Essay

• [ ] Spell-check completed (but also read for typos spell-check misses)
• [ ] Grammar check (Grammarly or manual review)
• [ ] Word count at 650 or fewer (not over limit)
• [ ] First line hooks reader
• [ ] Conclusion connects back to opening
• [ ] No clichés or overused phrases
• [ ] Authentic voice (sounds like you)
• [ ] Every word earns its place
• [ ] Punctuation correct throughout

School-Specific Supplements

For EACH supplement (do this school-by-school):

• [ ] Prompt clearly addressed
• [ ] Word count within limits
• [ ] Spell and grammar checked
• [ ] Specific details about school included (not generic)
• [ ] Not recycled from other schools' essays
• [ ] Authentic voice
• [ ] No obvious mistakes

Application Profile Information

• [ ] Full name spelled correctly (check legal name vs. preferred name)
• [ ] Date of birth accurate
• [ ] Contact email address correct (checked spelling)
• [ ] Phone number working
• [ ] Address complete and accurate
• [ ] GPA entered correctly (double-check with school counselor)
• [ ] Test scores accurate (have SAT/ACT scores in front of you while entering)
• [ ] Graduation date: June 2027

School List & Activity Section

• [ ] All schools/activities accurately named
• [ ] Job titles, roles, descriptions accurate
• [ ] Hours/week and weeks/year realistic and accurate
• [ ] No spelling errors in activity names or organizations

Recommender Information

• [ ] Teacher names spelled correctly
• [ ] Teacher email addresses correct (verify with teacher)
• [ ] Recommenders invited through system (check status in portal)
• [ ] Correct schools listed for each recommender

Multi-Stage Proofreading Process

Stage 1: Automated Tools (You do this)

• Use spell-check built into browser or Word
• Use Grammarly (free or paid version)
• Check word counts are within limits
• Look for obvious formatting errors

Stage 2: Read Aloud (You do this)

• Read entire essay/supplement out loud, slowly
• Catches awkward phrasing your eyes skip over
• Catches repeated words and weak verbs
• Note sections that don't sound like natural speech

Stage 3: Fresh Eyes (Give to someone)

• Print essay/supplement or send digital copy
• Ask trusted person (NOT your Common App counselor—save that for later) to read
• Suggested readers: teacher, parent, mentor, trusted friend
• They should look for: overall flow, clarity, authenticity, errors you missed

Stage 4: Compare to Original Prompt (You do this)

• Read prompt again carefully
• Reread your essay/answer
• Verify: Does it directly answer prompt? Or go tangential?
• Edit if necessary to stay on prompt

Stage 5: Final Proofread (You do this)

• Read one more time
• Fix any final issues
• Verify formatting looks good in actual application (sometimes formatting changes when pasted)
• Save version to computer (backup copy)

Critical Errors to Search For

These errors can tank applications:

Typo errors:

• School name spelled wrong (e.g., "Stanford" as "Standford")
• "Youre" instead of "your"
• "Their" instead of "there"
• "Its" instead of "it's"

Logic errors:

• Reference to wrong school ("Why I want to attend Yale" in your Northwestern essay)
• Inconsistent information (say different GPA in two places)
• Outdated references (mention 2025 event as "recent")

Factual errors:

• Wrong test score entered
• Wrong GPA entered
• Wrong graduation date
• Wrong teacher name

Format errors:

• Essay way over/under word count
• Strange spacing or broken formatting when pasted in
• Wrong file uploaded (old version instead of new)

Red-Flag Checklist (If ANY of these, fix before submitting)

• [ ] ANY typos or grammatical errors remain
• [ ] School name appears spelled wrong anywhere
• [ ] Personal information (GPA, test scores) incorrect
• [ ] Essay goes over word count limit
• [ ] Referenced school/person/program doesn't match where applying
• [ ] Formatting looks broken or strange in actual application
• [ ] You're not sure if something is correct
• [ ] You feel less than 100% confident in the application

Having Someone Else Review

What to ask your reviewer:

• "Does this sound like me, authentically?"
• "Are there any typos or grammar issues?"
• "Does the essay/answer clearly address the prompt?"
• "What's the main point? Does it come through?"
• "Anything confusing or unclear?"

Who should review:

• Parent/guardian (good for catching errors)
• Teacher (good for essay quality)
• Trusted friend (good for authenticity check)
• School counselor (good for overall application coherence—but wait until content is strong)

Who should NOT review:

• College admissions counselor (they might "help" in ways that compromise authenticity)
• Random online services (many are scams; don't pay for essay review)
• Too many people (more voices = confusing)

Final Submission Checklist

Before you click "Submit Application":

• [ ] Application completed in all sections
• [ ] All info proofread and verified accurate
• [ ] Essay(s) final polished version
• [ ] Supplements proofread and complete
• [ ] Recommender section showing teachers invited
• [ ] School list complete
• [ ] Test scores included (or test-optional confirmed)
• [ ] Payment processed (or fee waiver applied)
• [ ] You've read through ENTIRE application one final time
• [ ] You're 100% confident in this application

Then: Click Submit.

After submission: Email confirmation sent. Save that email. Application submitted successfully.

Key Deadlines

• October 15: First proofreading pass complete
• October 25: Have someone else review
• October 28: Final proofreading done
• October 31: Applications ready to submit (but don't submit yet—submit in November)

Pro Tips

1. Don't submit immediately after finishing: Let application sit 24 hours, reread with fresh eyes
2. Typos are NOT character judgments: Even strong writers make typos; what matters is you catch them
3. Process takes time: Don't rush proofreading; most errors come from rushing. Spend 2-3 hours per application on final review