How To Submit A Common App Application

Submitting your Common App application can feel like the culmination of months, even years, of hard work and preparation. It's more than just filling out forms; it's about presenting the best version of yourself to the colleges and universities you aspire to attend. Navigating the Common App can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the process, you can confidently submit a complete and compelling application.

The Common Application is a standardized undergraduate college admission application used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. Its primary purpose is to streamline the application process, allowing students to apply to multiple schools using a single platform. This not only simplifies the task for students but also enables colleges to receive applications in a consistent format, facilitating a more efficient review process. Mastering the Common App involves meticulous preparation, careful attention to detail, and a strategic approach to showcasing your unique strengths and experiences.

Introduction to the Common App

The Common App is designed to simplify the college application process, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions with a single set of credentials. It covers various aspects of your background, including academics, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendations. Understanding the structure of the Common App and its requirements is the first step toward a successful submission.

The application is divided into several sections:

• Profile: This section includes your personal information, contact details, citizenship status, and family background.
• Academics: Here, you'll provide details about your high school coursework, grades, standardized test scores (if required), and any academic honors or awards.
• Testing: This section allows you to report your scores from standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, if the colleges you're applying to require or consider them.
• Activities: This is where you showcase your extracurricular involvement, highlighting your roles, accomplishments, and the impact you've made in each activity.
• Writing: This section includes the Common App essay, which is a crucial component of your application, as well as any supplemental essays required by individual colleges.
• Courses & Grades: Some colleges require you to self-report your courses and grades from high school. This section is where you'll enter that information.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Common App Application

1. Creating Your Account

The first step in submitting your Common App application is to create an account on the Common App website (). Follow these steps:

• Visit the Website: Navigate to the Common App website and click on the "Create an Account" button.
• Enter Your Information: Provide your email address, name, and create a secure password. Ensure that the email address you use is one you check regularly, as this is where you'll receive important updates and notifications.
• Account Type: Choose the "First-Year Student" account type, as you are applying for undergraduate admission.
• Complete the Registration: Fill out the remaining registration details and agree to the terms and conditions.
• Verification: Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.

2. Adding Colleges to Your List

Once your account is created, you can start adding colleges to your list. Here's how:

• College Search: Use the "College Search" tool to find the colleges you're interested in applying to. You can search by name, location, or other criteria.
• Add to List: Click on the "+" button next to each college to add it to your list.
• Review Your List: Go to the "My College" tab to review the colleges you've added. Here, you'll see important information such as application deadlines, requirements, and any supplemental essays.
• Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines. Some colleges have early decision or early action deadlines, while others have regular decision deadlines. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your chances of admission.

3. Completing the Common App Sections

The Common App is divided into several sections, each requiring specific information. Here's a detailed look at each section:

Profile

• Personal Information: Fill in your personal details accurately, including your name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status. Double-check for any typos or errors.
• Contact Information: Provide a reliable phone number and email address. This is how colleges will communicate with you, so make sure the information is correct.
• Family Information: Enter details about your parents or guardians, including their education level, occupation, and contact information.
• Education: Provide information about your high school, including the name, address, and graduation date. You'll also need to indicate your GPA and class rank, if available.

Academics

• High School Coursework: Report your high school courses and grades. Some colleges require you to self-report your courses and grades, while others will receive your transcript directly from your high school.
• GPA and Class Rank: Enter your GPA and class rank, if available. If your school doesn't provide a class rank, you can indicate that.
• Honors and Awards: List any academic honors or awards you've received, such as honor roll, academic scholarships, or subject-specific awards.

Testing

• Standardized Tests: Report your scores from standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, if the colleges you're applying to require or consider them. Some colleges are test-optional, meaning they don't require standardized test scores for admission.
• Score Reporting: Follow the instructions for each college regarding score reporting. Some colleges require you to submit your scores directly from the testing agency, while others allow you to self-report your scores.

Activities

• Activity List: The Activities section allows you to list up to ten extracurricular activities. These can include clubs, sports, volunteer work, jobs, and other meaningful experiences.
• Descriptions: For each activity, provide a brief description of your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Highlight your contributions and the impact you've made.
• Time Commitment: Indicate the number of hours per week and weeks per year you participated in each activity. This helps colleges understand the level of your involvement.
• Prioritization: Prioritize your activities based on their significance and your level of involvement. Start with the activities that have had the greatest impact on you.

Writing

• Common App Essay: The Common App essay is a crucial component of your application. It's your opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and writing skills.
• Essay Prompts: Choose one of the Common App essay prompts and write a thoughtful and compelling essay that answers the prompt effectively.
• Supplemental Essays: Some colleges require supplemental essays in addition to the Common App essay. These essays are specific to each college and provide an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in that particular institution.

Courses & Grades

• Self-Reporting: If a college requires you to self-report your courses and grades, carefully enter the information from your high school transcript.
• Accuracy: Ensure that the information you enter is accurate and consistent with your official transcript. Any discrepancies can raise red flags.

4. Requesting Recommendations

Recommendations from teachers and counselors can significantly strengthen your application. Here's how to request recommendations through the Common App:

• FERPA Waiver: Before requesting recommendations, you'll need to complete the FERPA waiver in the "Recommenders and FERPA" section. This waiver gives your recommenders permission to write about you and allows colleges to view their recommendations.
• Invite Recommenders: Invite your teachers and counselors to submit recommendations on your behalf. Provide their email addresses and indicate which colleges you want them to send their recommendations to.
• Follow Up: Follow up with your recommenders to ensure they've received your invitation and have enough time to write and submit their recommendations before the application deadline.

5. Reviewing Your Application

Before submitting your application, it's essential to review it carefully for any errors or omissions. Here are some tips for reviewing your application:

• Proofread: Proofread your application thoroughly for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies. Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review your application as well.
• Accuracy: Ensure that all the information you've provided is accurate and consistent. Check dates, names, and other details carefully.
• Completeness: Make sure you've completed all the required sections and answered all the questions fully. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Essay Review: Review your essays to ensure they're well-written, compelling, and effectively answer the essay prompts.

6. Submitting Your Application

Once you've reviewed your application and are confident that it's complete and accurate, you can submit it. Here's how:

• Payment: Pay the application fee for each college you're applying to. If you're eligible for a fee waiver, you can request one through the Common App.
• Submission: Click on the "Submit" button for each college. Once you submit your application, you won't be able to make any further changes.
• Confirmation: Check the fees and confirmation of submission for each university you applied to

Comprehensive Overview of the Common App Essay

The Common App essay is a critical component of your application. It's your chance to showcase your personality, values, and writing skills. Here's a comprehensive overview of the Common App essay:

• Essay Prompts: The Common App provides several essay prompts to choose from. These prompts are designed to elicit thoughtful and reflective responses that reveal something meaningful about you.
• Choosing a Prompt: Select the prompt that resonates with you the most and allows you to write about a topic you're passionate about.
• Brainstorming: Before you start writing, brainstorm ideas and consider what you want to communicate about yourself.
• Structure: Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide a roadmap for the essay. The body should develop your ideas with specific examples and details. The conclusion should summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression.
• Voice: Write in your own voice and be authentic. Colleges want to get to know you, so let your personality shine through in your writing.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use vivid language and specific examples to show, rather than tell, your story. Bring your experiences to life for the reader.
• Proofread: Proofread your essay carefully for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies. Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review your essay as well.

Tren & Perkembangan Terbaru

The Common App is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of students and colleges. Here are some recent trends and developments:

• Test-Optional Policies: Many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, meaning they don't require standardized test scores for admission. This trend has been driven by concerns about equity and access, as well as research suggesting that standardized tests are not always the best predictor of college success.
• Holistic Review: Colleges are increasingly using a holistic review process, which considers a wide range of factors beyond academic achievement, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Colleges are committed to creating diverse and inclusive campus communities. They're actively seeking students from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Virtual Events: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges have shifted to virtual events, such as virtual tours, information sessions, and interviews. These virtual events provide an opportunity for students to learn more about colleges and connect with admissions officers.
• Mobile App: The Common App has a mobile app that allows students to track their progress, receive notifications, and submit their applications from their smartphones.

Tips & Expert Advice

Submitting a successful Common App application requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips and expert advice:

• Start Early: Start working on your application well in advance of the deadline. This will give you plenty of time to gather information, write your essays, and request recommendations.
• Be Organized: Stay organized by creating a timeline and keeping track of deadlines, requirements, and other important information.
• Research Colleges: Research the colleges you're interested in applying to and learn about their programs, values, and campus culture.
• Visit Colleges: If possible, visit colleges in person or attend virtual events to get a feel for the campus and connect with admissions officers.
• Seek Feedback: Seek feedback on your essays and application from teachers, counselors, and other trusted adults.
• Be Authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your application. Colleges want to get to know the real you.
• Proofread Carefully: Proofread your application carefully for any errors or omissions. A polished and error-free application will make a positive impression.
• Submit on Time: Submit your application on time to avoid any last-minute stress or technical issues.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is the Common App?

A: The Common App is a standardized undergraduate college admission application used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally.

Q: How do I create a Common App account?

A: Visit the Common App website () and click on the "Create an Account" button.

Q: What are the Common App essay prompts?

A: The Common App provides several essay prompts to choose from. These prompts are designed to elicit thoughtful and reflective responses that reveal something meaningful about you.

Q: How do I request recommendations through the Common App?

A: Complete the FERPA waiver in the "Recommenders and FERPA" section and invite your teachers and counselors to submit recommendations on your behalf.

Q: How do I submit my Common App application?

A: Pay the application fee for each college you're applying to and click on the "Submit" button for each college.

Conclusion

Submitting your Common App application is a significant milestone in your college journey. By following the steps outlined in this article and heeding the advice of experts, you can confidently submit a complete and compelling application that showcases your unique strengths and experiences. Remember to start early, stay organized, and be authentic. Good luck with your college applications!

How do you feel about the Common App process? What challenges have you faced, and what strategies have you found helpful?