Swamped by a rise in early applications from the biggest class of high-school seniors ever, college admissions officials have advice for the Class of 2009: Be yourself.

Admissions deans at a dozen top-tier colleges and universities said in interviews that they’re seeing a disappointing trend.

Too many students are submitting “professionalized” applications rendered slick by misguided attempts at perfection, parental meddling and what one dean says is a robotlike approach teens are using to present themselves.

Among the symptoms: Too many formulaic, passionless personal essays. Too many voluminous résumés devoid of true commitment. And too many pointless e-mails and calls from overanxious students and parents.

“We keep looking for authenticity and genuineness, for kids who are their true selves,” says Jennifer Delahunty, dean of admissions at Ohio’s Kenyon College.

Admissions officials offer applicants this advice.

Don’t hide behind a polished veneer. A telltale sign of parental meddling, says Delahunty, is the word heretofore or too many semicolons in an essay.

Pick essay topics that inspire you.

Don’t stalk the dean. Some applicants barrage admissions offices with numerous redundant recommendation letters or e-mails.

Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Don’t let your mom sign her own name to your application.

Don’t plug in the wrong college name when answering, “Why are you applying here?”