Stay Calm and Submit Smart! Last minute pointers for application submissions.

It’s crunch time. The deadlines are looming, the clock is ticking, and the stress is real. Whether you're applying to your dream school or casting a wider net, the last stretch of your undergraduate application journey can feel like a sprint. Before you hit “submit,” take a deep breath and check out these last-minute pointers to make sure your application shines.

1. Essays: Show, Don’t Tell

Your personal statement or essay is often the heart of your application. If you’ve been working on it for weeks (or even months), great! But now’s the time for a fresh pair of eyes and some fine-tuning.

• Be authentic: Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands, of essays. Yours should reflect you, not a version of what you think they want to hear. Focus on your experiences, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown.

• Stick to the prompt: It’s easy to wander, but make sure you’re answering the question clearly. Whether you’re writing about overcoming challenges, describing a personal passion, or explaining why a specific school is a great fit, keep your focus tight.

• Polish, don’t overhaul: If time is tight, don’t attempt to rewrite your essay from scratch. Instead, focus on fixing any obvious flaws—grammar, clarity, and tone. A well-polished essay is more impressive than a last-minute rewrite.

  
  

2. Recommendations: Make Sure They’re Ready

The last thing you want is to scramble to chase down your recommenders at the last minute. Here’s how to make sure you’ve got everything in order:

• Check in and follow up: Reach out to your recommenders well before the deadline—Remind them politely about the deadline.

• Provide context: To help your recommenders write a strong, personalized letter, give them information about the school, the program, and your achievements. You can even offer a draft or bullet points highlighting your strengths.

  
  

3. Submission Requirements: Double-Check Everything

It’s easy to overlook submission requirements in the rush to finish your application. Here’s your checklist:

• Know the platform: Make sure you understand which application system(s) you’re using—Common App, Coalition, or a school’s individual portal. Some schools might require you to submit additional materials directly to their admissions office.

• Required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready—high school transcript, standardized test scores (if required), application fee, and any supplemental materials (e.g., portfolios for art students).

• File formats: Double-check that your documents are in the correct file format (PDF is usually safest) and that they’re named appropriately. You don’t want to submit a file titled “Essay_Version_Final_ACTUAL FINAL”!

• Confirm submission: After you hit “submit,” take a few minutes to review the confirmation page. Some systems send a confirmation email—check your inbox and spam folder to make sure everything went through.

  
  

4. Thoroughness: The Devil’s in the Details

This is the part where you need to put your perfectionist hat on. A well-organized, error-free application is crucial.

• Proofread EVERYTHING: Go over your application multiple times before submitting. Typos, grammar mistakes, or missing information can all hurt. Even though you’ve read it a million times, a fresh pair of eyes (from a parent, friend, or your friendly neighbourhood education consultant) can help spot small errors you might have missed.

• Revisit your achievements: Make sure your application accurately reflects your strengths and accomplishments. If you’ve won awards, taken unique courses, or volunteered in ways that weren’t initially included, now’s the time to add them.

• Consistency: Keep your tone and voice consistent across all sections of your application. If your essay is warm and personal, ensure the rest of your application matches that tone.

  
  

5. Mindset: Stay Calm and Focused

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the final stages of the application process, but keeping a positive, calm mindset will make all the difference.

• Don’t stress perfection: Admissions committees understand that no person and no application is perfect, . Don’t get bogged down by little details that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Focus on the big picture: showcasing who you are and what you’ll bring to the university.

• Avoid comparison: It’s tempting to compare your application progress with friends, but everyone’s journey is different. Trust in your work and the time you’ve put in.

• Take breaks: Burnout is real. If you’ve been working non-stop, take short breaks to clear your mind and recharge. A rested mind is more likely to catch mistakes and stay focused.

  
  

PS: You’ve Got This!

The final push toward your application submission is challenging, but with these last-minute tips in mind, you can avoid the common pitfalls and ensure your application reflects the best version of yourself. Take it one step at a time, stay organized, and trust that your hard work will pay off.

Good luck!