Every College Is Different: Four Things to Check Before You Submit Your Application

Written By Manjri Gupta

You've polished your personal statement, completed your activities section, and answered the supplemental essays.

You click "Submit." But before you do, pause.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming every college reviews applications the same way. While the Common App has standardized much of the process, each college still has its own requirements, policies, and deadlines.

Spending just a few extra minutes reviewing these details can prevent unnecessary surprises and strengthen your application.

1. Review the College's Supplemental Requirements

Not every college asks for the same materials.

Before submitting, confirm whether the college requires:

  • Supplemental essays

  • Short-answer questions

  • A portfolio or audition

  • Resume uploads

  • Self-reported academic records (SRAR/STARS)

  • Additional program-specific materials

It is surprisingly common for students to complete the Common App and overlook a college-specific requirement.

A submitted application is not necessarily a complete application.

2. Verify Your Application Plan and Deadline

Early Decision |Early Action | Regular Decision | Rolling Admission | Restrictive Early Action.

These terms are often confused, but they carry very different rules and timelines.

Before submitting, confirm:

  • Which application plan you selected

  • The correct application deadline

  • Whether your choice is binding

  • Whether financial aid forms have separate deadlines

  • Whether there is an earlier deadline for merit scholarship consideration

Many colleges automatically consider applicants for merit scholarships, but only if the application is submitted by a specific date. That deadline may be earlier than the Regular Decision deadline.

Missing a merit scholarship deadline could mean missing the opportunity to be considered for thousands of dollars in scholarships, even if you are admitted.

3. Double-Check Testing and Recommendation Policies

Every college handles supporting materials a little differently.

Take a moment to verify:

  • Are SAT or ACT scores required, optional, or not considered?

  • If you are submitting scores, have they been sent correctly?

  • Does the college require one teacher recommendation or two?

  • Is a counselor recommendation required?

  • Are additional recommendations accepted or discouraged?

Assuming every college follows the same policy can lead to unnecessary work or missing materials.

4. Look Beyond the Application

Your application is only one part of the admission process.

Some colleges also encourage or require students to:

  • Complete interviews

  • Demonstrate interest through information sessions or campus visits

  • Submit financial aid documents

  • Activate a student portal after applying

  • Monitor the portal for missing items

Submitting the application is often the beginning of the process, not the end.

A Few Extra Minutes Can Make a Big Difference

Don't let small administrative details distract from that effort.

Before you click "Submit," spend a few minutes reviewing each college's individual requirements. Every college is different, and those final checks can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and ready for review.

At Axios Pathways, we encourage students to slow down before they submit. A thoughtful review today can prevent unnecessary stress tomorrow.

Manjri Gupta

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