By Lee Norwood, Owner of Annapolis College Consulting & Founder of College Sharks
Let’s cut through the BS. If you’re a parent or student navigating college admissions, you’ve probably heard a million “must-dos.” But here’s the truth: Some of the most common advice leads families straight into the danger zone. These 4 mistakes mess up many families
Let’s break them down.
1. The Overachiever Trap: More Isn’t Better
You don’t need 12 clubs, 5 sports, and 6 AP classes to impress colleges. In fact, piling on too much can hurt more than help.
Why? Because admissions officers are looking for meaningful involvement, not burnout. A jam-packed resume full of one-off activities says “I’m trying too hard,” not “I know who I am.”
Instead, focus on:
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A few things you love
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Ways you’ve grown or made an impact
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A clear theme that ties your choices together
Quality > Quantity. Every time.
2. The Invisible Story: Just the Facts Doesn’t Cut It, Who Are You?
Too many students treat their application like a checklist: GPA? Check. Test scores? Check. Volunteer hours? Check. Done.
But here’s the thing: Colleges aren’t just filling seats—they’re building communities. No matter how well you may “score” against others at your school, you do not know what the institutional priorities of that school may be. They want to know who you are,what drives you, and why you’ll matter on their campus. The essay is where you can make yourself stand out.
Your story should connect the dots between:
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What you’ve done
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Why it matters to you
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What you’ll do next
A strong story doesn’t just show accomplishments—it shows purpose. That’s what stands out. Are you who they want on their campus?
3. The Procrastination Spiral: “We’ve Got Time”
No, you don’t.
I can’t tell you how many families tell me they’ll start “seriously” thinking about college in junior or senior year. That’s already too late for strategy.
To build a powerful application, you need:
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Time to explore interests
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Space to develop skills and leadership
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A head start on testing, essays, and college research
Early action = less panic, more purpose. Waiting = stress and missed opportunities. Simple as that. More.
You cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube. Waiting until senior year is a MAJOR PROBLEM.
4. “I Heard That…”: SidelineTalk During Sports and PTO meetings can crush you
“I heard that…” can really mess up a family in the college process.
“Jackie had a lower GPA and SAT than my son. She got in and he didn’t. It is not fair.” Well, life is not fair, but you do not have the facts. What were her activities? What major did she go for? How was her essay and did she describe who she was going to be on that campus? You do not know the details, so do not compare.
“It’s a test-optional school, so we are not doing testing. Liam is a bad test taker.” Really? Standardized testing is a part of life and we suggest that you test early and often. Test Option does not mean Test Blind.
“To get into that school you need to blah, blah, blah.” Ask yourself, how many kids has that person put through the application process? Is that person on top of what is going on today? Now? Probably not.
“My student wants a top university and …” We need to work with facts. Your student may be spectacular. I know both of my kids are…but one is a marine and not good in school and the other was the major go-getter, but still it was not enough for Vanderbilt. We all need a REALITY CHECK and we are the folks who can help.
To build a powerful application, you need:
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Time to explore interests
-
Space to develop skills and leadership
-
A head start on testing, essays, and college research
Early action = less panic, more purpose. Waiting = stress and missed opportunities. Simple as that.
Ready to Do It Right?
College admissions doesn’t reward the busiest kid or the last-minute scrambler—it rewards strategy, authenticity, and planning.
If you’re ready to lower the stress and build a college plan that works, talk to us. We have one-on-one counseling services and a DIY platform that is a DIY with expert support.
We’re here to help.
👉 Follow us Instagram@collegesharks Facebook@annapoliscollegeconsulting Tiktok@collegesharks LinkedIn@leenorwood
Let’s take a bite out of this college process—together. 🦈
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