The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Common App
The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Common App The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is an online college application platform used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and around the world. It is designed to simplify the application process for students by allowing them to fill out just one application and submit it to multiple schools. However, navigating the Common App can be a daunting task, especially for first-time users.
With so many different sections, questions, and requirements, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. That's why we've created this ultimate guide to navigating the Common App. In this post, we'll walk you through each section of the application, provide tips and tricks to help you complete it efficiently, and offer advice on how to make your application stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a high school student or a transfer student, this guide will help you navigate the Common App with ease.
What is the Common App?
If you're a high school senior, you've likely heard of the Common App before. But for those who haven't, the Common App is an online platform where students can apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application. This means that students can avoid the hassle of filling out individual applications for each school they're interested in, and instead complete a single application that can be sent to multiple institutions.
The Common App was created in 1975 with the goal of simplifying the college application process for students. Today, over 900 colleges and universities accept the Common App, making it a popular choice for students across the United States and internationally.
The Common App includes a variety of sections, including personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essay prompts. Each section is designed to help colleges get to know the applicant and make informed decisions about admissions. Whether you're applying to one school or several, the Common App can save you time and energy during the college application process.
Why is the Common App important?
If you're a high school student preparing for college, you're probably already aware of the Common App. The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is an online college application platform used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. It streamlines the college application process by allowing students to fill out one application and send it to multiple schools, which can save a lot of time and effort.
The Common App is important because it simplifies the college application process and makes it more accessible for students. Before the Common App, students had to fill out individual applications for each school they were interested in, which meant a lot of time and repetition.
The Common App also provides a standardized format for applications, making it easier for colleges to review and compare applicants. It's also important to note that many colleges and universities require or strongly recommend that students use the Common App, so it's worth familiarizing yourself with if you're planning on applying to multiple schools. Overall, the Common App is an essential tool for any student navigating the college application process.
A step-by-step guide to creating a Common App account
Creating a Common App account is an essential step in applying to college. The process is straightforward, and with this step-by-step guide, you'll breeze through it in no time.
First, head to the Common App website and click "Apply." On the next page, click "Create an Account."
Then, you'll need to fill out your basic information, including your name, email address, and date of birth. Choose a password and security question, and make sure to remember them for future logins.
Once you've created your account, you'll be prompted to select your account type. Choose "First-year student" if you're applying to college as an undergraduate student.
Next, you'll need to add the colleges you're interested in applying to. Use the search function to find each school and add it to your list. You can add up to 20 colleges to your Common App account.
After you've added your colleges, you can begin working on your application. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and answer each question fully. Don't forget to save your progress as you go!
Finally, you'll need to pay the application fee for each college you're applying to. Some schools may also require additional materials, such as transcripts or essays, so make sure to check each school's requirements carefully. With this step-by-step guide, you'll be well on your way to completing your Common App application and getting one step closer to your dream college.
How to fill out the basic information section
Filling out the basic information section of the Common App is the first step in your college application process. This section is where you will provide your demographic information, such as your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and citizenship status. It is important to fill out this section with accuracy and attention to detail as this information will be used throughout the application.
Make sure to use your legal name, as it appears on your official documents such as your passport, driver's license, or birth certificate. This will ensure that all your other documents match and avoid any confusion during the application process.
When filling out your address, make sure to include your street address, city, state/province, and postal code. Double-check the spelling to avoid any typos or errors that could delay the processing of your application.
It's also important to provide an active phone number and email address. This is how colleges and universities will contact you throughout the application process, so make sure to use an email address that you check regularly and a phone number where you can be easily reached.
Lastly, don't forget to indicate your citizenship status as this will affect the application requirements and eligibility for financial aid. You may also be asked to provide additional information such as your country of birth, first language, and ethnicity, so make sure to fill out these sections accurately as well.
How to add and request recommendation letters
Recommendation letters are an essential part of the college application process. They provide insight into your character, values, and academic abilities. The Common App allows you to add and request recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, coaches, and other adult mentors who know you well.
To add a recommendation letter, you will need to invite a recommender through the Common App. To do this, go to the "Recommenders and FERPA" section of the Common App and click "Invite Recommenders." You can then enter the recommender's email address and send them an invitation to submit a recommendation on your behalf.
To request a recommendation letter, you will need to go to the "Assign Recommenders" section of the Common App and select the schools to which you want to send the recommendation. You can then choose which recommenders you want to assign to each school and send them a request to submit a recommendation.
It's important to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities. You should also give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters, as they are often busy and may need a few weeks to complete the task.
Overall, adding and requesting recommendation letters through the Common App is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your college application. Just be sure to choose your recommenders carefully and give them plenty of time to complete their letters.
How to fill out the education section
Filling out the education section of the Common App may seem simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you accurately represent your academic history.
First, you will need to list your high school information, including the name, address, and graduation date. If you attended multiple high schools, make sure to list them all.
Next, you will need to provide information about any colleges or universities you have attended, including the name, location, dates of attendance, and degree earned or anticipated.
If you took any college courses while in high school, or participating in a dual enrollment program, you should include that as well.
It's important to note that you should only include schools that are accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
You can also include any honors or awards you have received, such as AP Scholar or National Merit Scholar.
Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting, as any errors or omissions may cause delays or even rejection of your application.
How to fill out the activities section
The activities section of the Common App is a great opportunity to showcase your extracurricular activities, hobbies, and accomplishments. This section allows you to provide admissions officers with a better understanding of who you are outside of academics.
When filling out the activities section, it’s important to keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity. Admissions officers are looking for depth rather than breadth, so it’s better to focus on a few activities that you are genuinely passionate about rather than listing every activity you’ve ever participated in.
For each activity you list, make sure to include a brief description of the activity, the role you played in it, and any awards or accomplishments you achieved. Be honest and specific in your descriptions, as this will help the admissions officers get a better sense of who you are as a person.
Additionally, be sure to order your activities in order of importance to you. The first few activities listed will be the ones that admissions officers will see first, so you want to make sure they are the most impactful.
Overall, the activities section is a great way to showcase your personality, interests, and achievements to admissions officers. Take the time to craft thoughtful descriptions and highlight the activities that matter most to you.
How to fill out the essay section
The essay section is one of the most crucial parts of the Common App. It is your chance to showcase your personality, skills, and experiences to the admissions committee. The essay section is comprised of one main essay prompt and several additional prompts that vary depending on which schools you apply to.
When writing your essay, it is important to be authentic and honest. Admissions officers can spot insincerity from a mile away, so try to avoid embellishing or exaggerating your accomplishments. Instead, focus on a specific moment or experience that has had a profound impact on your life and write about it in detail. Remember, it's not about the event itself but how it affected you and what you learned from it.
Additionally, make sure to proofread your essay multiple times. Spelling and grammatical errors can make your essay appear careless and could hurt your chances of being accepted. It's always a good idea to have a second pair of eyes look over your essay to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Lastly, be mindful of the word count. The Common App essay has a maximum word count of 650 words, so make every word count. Don't waste precious space on unnecessary information or repeating things that are already in your application. Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and voice. With these tips in mind, you can write a compelling essay that will make you stand out from the crowd.
How to submit the Common App to colleges
Once you've gone through the process of filling out the Common App, it's time to submit it to the colleges you're interested in. Before you do so, make sure you've reviewed your application and confirmed that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Once you're ready to submit, follow these steps:
- Add colleges to your My Colleges list: On the Common App dashboard, navigate to the My Colleges tab and add the colleges you want to apply to. Make sure you've researched each college's application deadlines and requirements.
- Complete college-specific questions: Some colleges require additional information beyond what's included in the Common App. Make sure you've completed all college-specific questions before submitting your application.
- Request transcripts and test scores: If your high school transcript and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) are not already on file with the colleges, request that they be sent to the colleges you're applying to.
- Pay application fees: Each college you apply to will have an application fee. Make sure you've budgeted for these fees and pay them before submitting your application.
- Submit your application: Once you've completed all the necessary steps, you can submit your application to the colleges on your My Colleges list. Double-check that you've selected the correct colleges and review your application one last time before hitting the submit button.
Remember, once you've submitted your application, you may not be able to make changes or updates. It's important to take your time and ensure that your application is accurate and complete before submitting it to colleges.
Tips and Tricks for the Common App
Navigating the Common App can be a daunting task for many students, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make the process a lot easier. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this application platform:
- Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start filling out your application. The Common App can be time-consuming, so give yourself plenty of time to complete it.
- Use the Common App checklist: The Common App provides a checklist of all the information you'll need to provide. Use this checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
- Be honest: It can be tempting to exaggerate your accomplishments or lie on your application, but this is a big mistake. Be honest about your achievements and experiences.
- Get feedback: Ask friends, family, or teachers to review your application before you submit it. They may be able to catch errors or suggest improvements.
- Customize your essay: Don't use the same essay for every school. Customize your essay to fit the specific requirements of each school you're applying to.
- Pay attention to deadlines: Each school has its own application deadline, so make sure you're aware of them and submit your application on time.
- Keep a record: Keep a record of all the schools you're applying to, their deadlines, and any other important information.
By following these tips, you can navigate the Common App with confidence and increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream school.
Common mistakes to avoid
Navigating through the Common App can be a daunting task, and it's understandable that many students may make mistakes along the way. In this section, we'll highlight some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
One of the biggest mistakes students make when filling out the Common App is waiting until the last minute. It's important to give yourself plenty of time to complete each section thoroughly and accurately. Waiting until the deadline approaches can lead to rushed and incomplete applications.
Another common mistake is not proofreading your application before submitting it. Grammatical errors and typos can make your application appear sloppy and unprofessional. Take the time to review and edit your application multiple times before submitting it.
It's also important to answer all of the questions on the application truthfully and accurately. Falsifying information can result in serious consequences, including rejection of your application or revocation of admission if the lie is discovered later.
Lastly, don't forget to submit all required documents, such as transcripts and test scores, in a timely manner. Failure to do so can delay the processing of your application and potentially put you at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of submitting a strong and competitive Common App.
Important deadlines to keep in mind
The Common App has many deadlines that are critical to keeping in mind. Missing any one of them could mean that your application is incomplete or not considered at all. Therefore, it’s important to stay on top of all the deadlines and requirements. Here are some of the most important deadlines to keep in mind:
- Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines: If you are planning to apply to a college under an Early Decision or Early Action plan, you must submit your application by the deadline set by the college. These deadlines usually fall in November and December, so make sure you have your application ready well in advance.
- Regular Decision Deadlines: If you are not applying under an Early Decision or Early Action plan, you must submit your application by the regular decision deadline. This deadline is usually in January but can vary from college to college.
- Scholarship Deadlines: Many colleges have their own scholarship deadlines, and these can be separate from the regular decision deadline. Make sure you check the scholarship deadlines for each college you are applying to so that you don’t miss out on any potential opportunities.
- FAFSA Deadline: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1st each year, and the deadline to submit it varies by state. Make sure you check the FAFSA deadline for your state so that you can apply for financial aid in time.
By keeping these deadlines in mind, you can ensure that your Common App application is completed on time and that you don’t miss out on any important opportunities. Plan ahead, stay organized, and stay on top of your deadlines to make the application process as smooth as possible.
How to track your application status
Once you have completed and submitted your Common App, it's natural to want to know the status of your application. Fortunately, tracking your application status is relatively straightforward.
The first step is to log into your Common App account and navigate to the "My Colleges" tab. Here, you can view a list of all the colleges you have applied to and the status of each application.
Most colleges will also provide a unique login for their application portal, where you can track the status of your application in more detail. This may include seeing when your application has been received, processed, and evaluated.
It's important to note that the timeline for each application status update can vary depending on the college and the volume of applications they receive. Some colleges may update your application status within a few days, while others may take several weeks or even months.
If you have any concerns about the status of your application, don't hesitate to reach out to the college's admissions office for clarification. They will be happy to assist you and provide any updates they can.
Overall, tracking your application status is an important part of the college application process. By staying on top of your application status, you can ensure that you are aware of any updates or changes and can take any necessary action in a timely manner.
Conclusion and next steps.
In conclusion, navigating the Common App may seem like a daunting task, but with this ultimate guide, you should have all the information you need to tackle the application process with confidence. Remember to stay organized, keep track of deadlines, and pay close attention to instructions and requirements for each school you're applying to.
After completing your Common App, it's important to take the next steps in your college application journey. Follow up with your chosen schools to make sure they've received all required materials and to check on the status of your application. If you're granted an interview, make sure to prepare thoroughly by researching the school and practicing common interview questions.
While waiting for decisions to come in, continue to work hard in school and pursue extracurricular activities that interest you. Keep in touch with your guidance counselor, teachers, and mentors who can offer support and guidance during this exciting but stressful time.
Remember, applying to college is a process and it can be overwhelming at times, but with determination and a clear plan, you can successfully navigate the Common App and take the next steps toward achieving your academic goals.
We hope that our comprehensive guide to navigating the Common App has been helpful for students who are applying to college. The Common App is an essential tool for any student who wants to simplify the college application process.
By following the step-by-step instructions we provided, you can complete your application with ease and confidence. Remember, the college application process can be overwhelming, but with the Common App, you can streamline the process and make it much less stressful. Best of luck with your college applications!