7/14/2024
As rising seniors gear up for the college application process, one of the most important tools at their disposal is the Common Application (Common App). The Common App is a centralized online application system that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities simultaneously. To make the most of this platform and ensure a smooth application process, it's essential to start preparing in August. In this blog post, we’ll provide an introduction to the Common App and offer tips on how rising seniors can effectively prepare for it this August.
#1 - Understanding the Common App
The Common App simplifies the college application process by allowing students to fill out a single application form that can be sent to multiple colleges. It includes sections for personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays. Additionally, many colleges require supplemental essays or questions that are unique to their institution.
Key Components of the Common App:
Profile: Personal information, contact details, demographics
Family: Information about your household and family members
Education: High school details, coursework, grades
Testing: Standardized test scores (optional for some colleges)
Activities: Extracurricular activities, work experience, hobbies
Writing: Personal essay and college-specific supplemental essays
Letters of Recommendation: Teacher and counselor recommendations
#2 - Create Your Common App Account
The first step in preparing for the Common App is to create an account on the Common App website (www.commonapp.org). This account will be your hub for managing your applications, tracking deadlines, and submitting materials.
To do this, visit www.commonapp.org and click on "Create an Account." Fill in the required information and create a username and password. Be sure to use an email address that you check regularly.
#3 - Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard
Once you’ve created your account, take some time to explore the Common App dashboard. Familiarize yourself with the layout and the different sections of the application. This will help you understand what information you need to gather and where to input it.
Example: Navigate through the different sections of the application, such as Profile, Family, Education, and Activities. Note any sections that require additional information or documentation, such as your high school transcript or test scores.
#4 - Start Drafting Your Personal Essay
The personal essay is a crucial part of the Common App and provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The Common App offers several essay prompts to choose from, so start brainstorming and drafting your essay early.
Tips for Writing Your Personal Essay:
Choose a prompt that resonates with you and allows you to share a meaningful story or insight.
Be authentic and reflective in your writing. Admissions officers want to hear your unique voice.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Edit and revise your essay multiple times. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted friends.
Example: Review the Common App essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Select the prompt that best aligns with your experiences and begin drafting your essay. Aim to have a solid draft ready by the end of August.
#5 - Gather Information for the Activities Section
The Activities section of the Common App allows you to list up to ten extracurricular activities, work experiences, or hobbies. For each activity, you’ll need to provide a brief description and indicate your role, time commitment, and any leadership positions held.
Tips for the Activities Section:
Prioritize activities that are most meaningful and relevant to you.
Highlight leadership roles, significant achievements, and the impact you made.
Be concise but descriptive in your activity descriptions. Use action verbs and quantify your contributions when possible.
Example: Create a list of your extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. For each activity, write a brief description and note any leadership roles or achievements. This will make it easier to input the information into the Common App.
#6 - Request Letters of Recommendation
Many colleges require letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. August is an excellent time to request these letters, as it gives your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and detailed recommendations.
Tips for Requesting Letters of Recommendation:
Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
Ask for recommendations in person, if possible, and follow up with a formal request via email.
Provide recommenders with a summary of your achievements, goals, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight.
Give recommenders at least 4-6 weeks to write and submit their letters.
Example: Identify two or three teachers who you would like to write your recommendations. Schedule a meeting or send an email to request their support, providing them with your resume and a summary of your academic and extracurricular achievements.
#7 - Plan for College-Specific Supplements
In addition to the main Common App essay, many colleges require supplemental essays or short answer questions. These supplements are specific to each college and provide an opportunity to demonstrate why you are a good fit for their institution.
Tips for College-Specific Supplements:
Research each college’s supplemental essay prompts and requirements.
Tailor your responses to reflect the college’s values, programs, and opportunities.
Be concise and focused in your writing. Address the prompt directly and provide specific examples.
Proofread your responses carefully to ensure they are free of errors and clearly convey your message.
Example: Create a spreadsheet to track the supplemental essay prompts and deadlines for each college on your list. Begin drafting responses to the prompts, aiming to complete at least one or two supplements by the end of August.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Common App in August is a strategic way to set yourself up for success in the college application process. By creating your account, familiarizing yourself with the dashboard, drafting your personal essay, gathering information for the activities section, requesting letters of recommendation, and planning for college-specific supplements, you can approach the application process with confidence and organization. Remember, the key to a standout application is to be authentic, reflective, and thorough in presenting your unique story and qualifications. Good luck!
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