Nine Things to Immediately Delete From Your Postgraduate Application

Not only are admissions tutors looking for positive parts of applications, they are also on the lookout for a host of errors and oversights. If you are getting ready to apply for your dream postgraduate course, it is so important to take your time with the application process. Once you have finished writing out your strengths, skills and achievements, go back over every line of your application to check it is all in order. As you do so, you had best make sure you have deleted all of these common mistakes from your application before pressing the big ‘SEND’ button...  

1. That ‘90s email address 

Remember that email address you set up at school? The one that mentioned your favourite band or most hated subject at school, normally with several numbers after it?  Well, it’s time to get rid of this. Not only does it look unprofessional, but some filtering systems may also think it’s spam. 

Ideally you need to have an email address which is just your name. This way, the university won’t think you’re a teenager trying your luck. 

2. Unrelated hobbies 

While your enjoyment of Harry Potter books and long walks in the park might impress people on dating websites, it’s sadly not something the admissions department are particularly interested in. Try and include hobbies that highlight your passion for the subject you’re applying for – and if you really must mention your love of watching Netflix, make sure you keep it brief. 

3. Irrelevant experience or qualifications 

Because you’re applying for a postgraduate course, you’ve probably got quite a lot of experience. Whether it’s academic, work experience or professional, make sure you keep it relevant to the subject. Admissions don’t need to know about the paper route you had when you were 13 or your SAT results from Year 9. 

4. Clichéd words 

There are some words that universities will read again and again. It ends up feeling like a never-ending Groundhog Day for them, so make sure you delete potential clichéd words and phrases that don’t mean anything. If it makes you sound like David Brent, then get rid of it. 

You should also make sure any general claims are backed up with evidence. For example, universities need to know you’re a team player because you led a group presentation, or they may assume you could just be very good at playing Articulate. 

5. Anything negative 

Remove negative words. If you don’t believe in your amazing talents and abilities, then why should the course provider? Don’t be afraid to show pride in your qualifications, confidence in your skill set and passion for the subject. Shout it from the rooftops! 

6. Exaggerations 

Although you don’t want to sound beaten before you’ve even got an interview, you also don’t want to exaggerate so much that universities don’t believe a single word you say. As a general rule, you should want to keep it confident but steer clear of cocky. 

7. Grammatical mistakes 

Even with a dozen re-readings of your application, it’s easy to miss spelling and grammatical mistakes. Despite this, you can’t just assume you’re in the clear – you’re still going to want to make sure you proofread your application at least once or twice. When you’ve finished, get a friend/parent/lecturer to give it a read through as well, if possible. 

8. Wrong contact information 

Make sure your contact information doesn’t include old phone numbers, email accounts you no longer use, or the address of the flat you lived in during your first year of undergrad. It’s an easy mistake to make that could end up costing you a place. Imagine if your application literally knocked the socks off the admissions team and they’re desperate to offer you a place on the course, but every email they send bounces back and whenever they try to ring you, the local takeaway answers. Disaster. 

9. Unsuitable references 

References are often an overlooked part of your application, but they’re also the best way to show admissions how great you are in a non-biased way and without blowing your own trumpet, as it were. Make sure you get someone professional, and preferably not related to you as a reference.  

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