“How can I possibly stand out?” While trying to create the perfect application for business school, you might start doubting all your accomplishments—maybe even believing your application lacks that “umph.” I myself had mixed feelings about my MBA application to Kogod. However, you will discover that just like any job or school project, the process is quite stress free if you plan adequately.

Here are my five tips on how to ace your application:

1) Avoid common mistakes. It’s the small things that really count. Saying “you’re” instead “your” really makes admission consultants question, “If you can’t pay attention to one little detail, will you be able to handle business school?” Typos may be common, but remember admissions hasn’t met you yet; you want to make sure your grammar is error free. Take time to proofread your work and make a good impression.

2) Sell your achievements. It isn’t just about what you have accomplished. It’s about how those accomplishments make you unique. While this is the case, a lot of applicants have a difficult time communicating that to admissions. Everyone has special experiences. The key is emphasizing how what you’ve achieved makes you ideal.

3) Know your post-graduation goals. I’m a believer that life has a certain way of taking you down paths you never thought you’d go on. You need to have a good idea of what you want to do, though. You want your application to appear logical to admissions; you want to show them that you’ve thought long and hard about your career.

4) Address any concerns in your application. Sometimes applicants think a certain grade, unfit achievements, or gap in their career makes them a less stellar applicant. As long as you address any concerns in your interview or admissions essay with good reason, there should not be a problem. Communication is one of the most important skills in business school. You need to tell them why, despite any short fallings in the past, you are fully prepared for admission into your program of choice today.

5) Double check your work. Proofread. Edit. Proofread. It might be easier said than done, but I have made mistakes in the past by not double checking things. It’s too late after you click “submit,” so take your time to cross your I’s and dot your T’s – oops, I mean dot your I’s and cross your T’s! Once you are finished, you’ll be less doubtful that you’ve made a careless mistake that could set you back!

May 1 is the final deadline for Kogod’s Full-time MBA program, and all Master of Science programs. Learn more and apply online today.