The Common Application, often called the Common App, is a centralized online platform that simplifies the college application process. Instead of filling out separate applications for each college, students can complete one application and submit it to multiple participating institutions. This platform streamlines the process, saving students time and effort. Over one million students apply to more than 1,000 member colleges worldwide using the Common App each year. It's a valuable tool for both first-year and transfer students. The process involves creating a profile, adding colleges to your list, gathering required materials, and submitting your applications. You can start by creating an account on their website.
The Common App is primarily used by students applying to undergraduate programs in the United States and other countries. It caters to first-year students entering college directly from high school and transfer students looking to continue their education at a new institution. International students also widely use the Common App, with applicants from over 200 countries leveraging the platform. It’s a versatile system designed to accommodate a wide range of applicants.
The Common App offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for many students. Its primary advantage is the ability to apply to multiple colleges using a single application, reducing the time and effort required. This also allows for a more organized approach to the application process. Additionally, the Common App provides access to a wide range of colleges, including many prestigious institutions. Features like the account rollover also allow students to start exploring Common App and save answers, making it even more convenient.
Creating your Common App profile is a straightforward process. First, visit the Common App website and click on the "Create an account" link. You'll need to provide basic information such as your name, email address, and date of birth. Once your account is created, you can begin filling out the various sections of your profile, including your academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal information. The Common App provides clear instructions for each section, making it easy to navigate.
The account rollover feature of the Common App is a significant advantage for students who are planning to apply to college over multiple years. This feature allows you to save all the information you've entered in the "Common App" tab, including your personal essay, responses to questions, and the activities section. This means that you don't have to start from scratch each year. However, it's important to note that responses to college-specific questions in the "My Colleges" section do not roll over. This feature is incredibly useful for starting early, planning your application, and making sure you don't lose your hard work. You can learn more about account rollover in the Common App support article.
A strong Common App profile is crucial for college admissions because it's your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and achievements. It's more than just a collection of grades and test scores; it tells the story of who you are as a student and a person. Admissions officers use your profile to assess your potential fit for their institution, so it's important to present yourself in the best possible light. A well-crafted profile can make the difference in a competitive application process.
The Common App profile includes several key sections that you'll need to fill out carefully. These sections provide colleges with a comprehensive view of your background and accomplishments.
This section requires you to provide details about your high school education, including your grades and current courses. Some colleges may also need you to self-report your high school transcript. Your counselor will submit official transcripts on your behalf, but it's important to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. For international students, it's essential to understand how to send your transcripts to Common App colleges, and that may involve using a credential evaluation service.
This section is where you can showcase your interests and experiences outside of the classroom. It's not just about listing activities; it's about demonstrating your passions, skills, and values. Include details about your work, hobbies, clubs, and community engagement. Don't forget to include family responsibilities, which can also be important to share. This is a great place to show colleges what makes you unique.
You can self-report scores for any standardized tests like the SAT or ACT in this section. However, it's important to note that every college has different testing requirements. Some colleges may require your test scores, while others may have a test-optional policy. Be sure to check the testing policy of each college on your list. If you're aiming for top schools, understanding the weight of test scores is crucial, as explained in this post.
Many colleges collect this information for demographic purposes. You'll be asked about your parents' occupation, employment status, and education level. If applicable, you'll also need to provide details about the college(s) they attended and the degrees they earned.
The activities section isn't the only place to shine. Here, you have the opportunity to share any academic honors or achievements you've received throughout high school. Be sure to include any notable awards, scholarships, or recognitions.
To effectively showcase your experiences and achievements, focus on quality over quantity. Use strong verbs and quantifiable impact to make your descriptions compelling. Rather than just stating what you did, emphasize the skills you developed, the problems you solved, and the impact you made. Think about including 2-3 core values per activity to demonstrate the depth of your engagement. For instance, instead of just saying “Member, Debate Club”, you could elaborate with, "Led research and case writing, mentored younger debate students, organized mock debates, and hosted an annual debate tournament. See Additional Info for Awards". Always be honest and avoid stretching the truth.
When writing your activities descriptions, be specific and use active verbs. Emphasize the tangible impact of your involvement. For example, instead of saying, "Helped with events," say, "Organized and managed logistics for 5 major school events, increasing participation by 20%". Use the available space effectively and avoid complete sentences to save characters. Aim for variety and focus on demonstrating your skills and values.
Using strong verbs is crucial for making your activities descriptions more dynamic and informative. Instead of weak verbs like "helped" or "participated," use verbs like "led," "organized," "mentored," or "facilitated." Quantifiable impact adds credibility to your claims. For example, instead of saying "Raised money," say "Raised $5000 for local charity through a fundraising campaign." Always look for ways to make your contributions more specific and measurable. College Essay Guy provides an excellent list of verbs to enhance your descriptions.
There are countless ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. Examples include academic clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, arts programs, and leadership positions. Some specific examples include:
Volunteer at a local hospital: Assisted patients, organized medical supplies, and provided comfort.
Lead a school club: Organized meetings, planned events, and managed club finances.
Participate in a sports team: Trained regularly, competed in matches, and supported teammates.
Work part-time: Managed customer interactions, handled transactions, and balanced work with school responsibilities.
Engage in a creative hobby: Created artwork, composed music, or wrote stories.
Participated in Model UN: Debated world issues, researched topics, and represented different nations.
You can find a wealth of examples on how to describe your activities effectively in this article.
Emphasize your skills, values, and leadership qualities by showcasing how your experiences have shaped you. If you led a team, describe your leadership style and the results you achieved. If you volunteered, highlight the impact of your work and the skills you developed. Use specific examples to illustrate how you have grown and learned from your experiences. Think about how your activities reflect your core values and make sure these are apparent in your descriptions.
Some common mistakes to avoid include being too vague, using weak verbs, and overstating your involvement. Avoid simply listing activities without providing context or impact. Don't use too much jargon or assume the reader knows the significance of an activity, and always be truthful about your role and accomplishments.
The Common App essay is a crucial part of your application because it provides colleges with insights into your personality, values, and writing skills. It's your chance to tell your story in your own words and to show admissions officers who you are beyond your grades and test scores. The essay allows you to demonstrate your ability to reflect, think critically, and express yourself effectively.
The Common App essay prompts for 2024-2025 remain the same as the previous year. These prompts are designed to give you a wide range of topics to choose from, allowing you to find one that best suits your experiences and interests. The prompts include:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
You can view the prompts on the Common App website.
Brainstorming is a crucial step before you start writing your essay. Consider your experiences, values, and what you want colleges to know about you. Choose the prompt that resonates most with you and allows you to tell a compelling story. Don't pick a prompt simply because you think it's what colleges want to hear; focus on choosing a topic that you are passionate about.
To write a standout essay, focus on being authentic and reflective. Use vivid language and specific examples to bring your story to life. Show, don't tell; instead of simply stating that you're resilient, describe an experience that demonstrates your resilience. Make sure your essay is well-organized, coherent, and free of grammatical errors. Start early, revise multiple times, and seek feedback from trusted sources.
The Common App provides resources to help you with your essay writing. They have a blog with timely advice on sharing your personal and academic experiences. There are also essay planning worksheets available in both English and Spanish to assist you in the brainstorming and planning stages.
The Common App includes an optional community disruption question, allowing you to provide details about how events like COVID-19 have impacted you personally and academically. This question is located in the Additional Information section of the application. It's important to use this space to address any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Each college decides the application fee they will charge. Some colleges don't require a fee, and you can search specifically for those. International students may be eligible for a need-based Common App fee waiver. Check each university's policy on fee waivers for international students. You can find application fee information on the College Search tab and in the Requirements grid
Your counselor will submit transcripts and other school forms on your behalf. If you don't have a counselor, you can invite a school official who has access to your academic records. For university-level courses, you'll need to request the university to send your transcripts directly to the colleges you're applying to. International students should be aware of the specific requirements for sending transcripts.
Some colleges require international students to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Check each college’s specific requirements on their College Information page. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to research each school individually.
Each college sets its own deadlines, which can include early action, early decision, regular decision, and rolling admission. The Requirements grid lists each college's deadlines. Make sure to submit applications by 11:59 pm in your local time zone.
Some colleges require letters of recommendation. You'll need to invite and assign your recommenders to the colleges where you want their letters to go. Recommender forms can be completed in Common App’s Recommender System or through one of Common App’s partners.
You can find college-specific information on each college's "College Information" page on the Common App platform. This includes details about application requirements, deadlines, testing policies, and contact information.
Common App offers 24/7 support, including an Applicant Solutions Center for frequently asked questions and a support team. You can also find helpful resources like an Application Guide and Application Dictionary on their website.
Understanding different admission plans is crucial for managing your application timeline.
Early Action (EA): Allows you to apply early and receive an admission decision sooner. It's non-binding, meaning you're not obligated to attend if accepted.
Early Decision (ED): A binding agreement where you commit to attending the college if accepted. You can typically only apply to one college ED.
Regular Decision (RD): The standard application deadline. This usually has a later deadline than Early Action and Early Decision.
Rolling Admission: Colleges review applications as they are received and make decisions throughout the application cycle.
Specific college deadlines can be found on the Requirements Grid. Colleges also list their deadlines on their individual pages on the Common App platform. It's important to stay organized and keep track of these deadlines, which can vary significantly.
To manage deadlines effectively, create a timeline for each college you're applying to. Use tools like a spreadsheet or calendar to track application deadlines, testing dates, and recommendation requests. Start early and don't wait until the last minute to complete your applications.
Ensure you submit your application on time by completing all required sections and gathering all materials well in advance. Submit your application before the deadline to avoid any issues, and remember that deadlines are based on your local time zone, not the college's.
The Common App platform allows you to explore colleges using various search filters. You can search based on location, size, majors, and more. Each college has a detailed profile with information about campus culture, academic programs, and application requirements.
The Common App mobile app allows you to track your application progress, stay on top of requirements, and manage deadlines on the go. The mobile app is a convenient way to stay organized and keep your application process moving forward.
Common App provides a range of resources, including a comprehensive Applicant Solutions Center, guides, and a support team available 24/7. These resources are designed to assist you throughout the application process.
The Requirements Grid is a comprehensive PDF that lists all the colleges that use the Common App and their requirements. It includes information on deadlines, fees, essay requirements, and testing policies. It's an invaluable tool for planning your applications.
Recommenders can include counselors, teachers, and other individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. These individuals provide a third-party perspective of who you are.
You can invite recommenders through the "My Colleges" tab in the Recommenders and FERPA section. You'll need to provide their email addresses and assign them to the colleges where you want their letters to go. It's essential to ask recommenders well in advance and provide them with all the information they need.
Counselors: They share their perspective using the context of the entire graduating class. They also submit the School Report and transcripts.
Teachers: They give a firsthand account of your intellectual curiosity and creative thought.
Other Recommenders: Usually non-academic recommenders like coaches, employers, and peers. They give insight into your interests and activities outside of the classroom.
Common App offers support for recommenders through the Recommender Solutions Center. This resource provides answers to frequently asked questions and access to support. It's important to ensure your recommenders are aware of their deadlines and have all the necessary information.
Key Takeaways:
The Common App is a centralized online platform that simplifies the college application process.
It allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application.
Key components include a profile, activities section, essay, and recommendations.
International students have specific requirements regarding transcripts and English proficiency.
Understanding deadlines and admission plans is essential for a successful application.
The Common App offers resources and support to assist you throughout the process.
