The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is expected to go live in August. This occurs as high school students transition from a relaxed summer break to the stressful college application season. But don’t worry, we’re here with some helpful tips to guide you through the Common Application this year!
Quick refresher: What is the Common App?
The Common App is a key tool for college admissions, used by around 900 universities and colleges. It’s a big deal because it lets students apply to many schools at once, saving time and effort. It’s divided into four main parts:
- Background Information
- Extracurriculars List
- Essays and Short Answers
- Recommendations
Every year on August 1, the Common App becomes active, and students can start their application on commonapp.org. Before starting, make sure you have:
- Unofficial transcript
- High school details (CEEB code, GPA scale, and class rank)
- Copies of test scores and dates
- Citizenship info
- State of residence
Once you start, all your info is saved until you’re ready to submit. This blog post will guide you through each section of the Common App to help you master it.
Okay, section one: Background information
To do well on the Common App, start by filling out the personal information section promptly. While it might seem simple, this part is crucial for all college applications. It includes basic details like your name, address, high school, your parents’ job and education, and any extracurricular activities you’re involved in. The Common App has a big advantage: you only have to give this info once, but it applies to almost 900 schools. Plus, this background info is handy for other applications too, so keep it nearby.
Part two: Extracurriculars list
Once you’ve filled in the basic info, it’s time to talk about the stuff you do outside of class. Think of it like listing what you’re into on a resume. You can pick up to ten activities that matter most to you. Here’s a simple question to guide you:
“What do you want colleges to know about you from these activities?”
This is where you show what you care about, what you’ve been up to, and how you’ve helped out in your school and community. The Common App accepts all sorts of activities, like helping out at home, working, volunteering, joining clubs, playing sports, or doing hobbies.
For each activity, just say how long you’ve been doing it, how much time you put in each week, how many weeks you do it per year, if you had any important roles, and a short blurb about what you did and what you learned.
If you’re having trouble picking just ten, focus on the ones that meant the most to you, where you took charge, and those that match up with what you want to do in the future.
EssayEmbassy.com Admissions Experts can help students shine: Essays & short answers
The standard App is split into two parts: general questions for all schools and specific questions for each institution. Start by focusing on the common essay prompts: the 2019-2020 Common App Essay Prompts are now available.
We suggest students start brainstorming and crafting responses to these prompts early so they have time to refine them. These essays will be sent to every school on your Common App list, so it’s crucial to get them right. While school listings and school-specific questions may change, the answers to these prompts will stay the same. Once students have tackled the primary Common App Essay Prompts, they can move on to more specific questions that colleges may ask.
When deciding what to write about for the Common App Essay Prompts, remember that there will be essays and short responses for different schools, so students should avoid mentioning the same experience twice. It’s a good idea to choose a prompt and stick with it from the start to ensure diversity in subsequent essays. Seeking guidance from mentors or college counselors to review and improve your writing is always helpful.
Above all, we believe it’s essential for students to be true to themselves. The best way to stand out is to embrace your unique qualities and strengths!
And finally: Recommendations
To begin with, it’s essential to ask for recommendations early on, even during the initial weeks of senior year! High school teachers, guidance counselors, and coaches are commonly approached for recommendations.
However, it’s important to note that many of these professionals will have a considerable number of recommendations to write for students this autumn.
Moreover, if students are applying to specific majors or specialized programs, focusing on teachers within those fields can enhance their application. For instance, for students interested in engineering, physics, or calculus, teachers can highlight the student’s aptitude for mathematics and science.
Similarly, for students aiming for art or design programs, feedback from art, English, or humanities teachers can provide insights into the student’s creativity and originality.
However, it’s not mandatory for students to have a predetermined major or program in mind when seeking recommendations. The key principle is to obtain references from teachers who have a solid understanding of the student’s capabilities; after all, most universities seek well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the academic community in diverse ways.
Having a blend of recommendations from various subject areas can showcase a student’s enthusiasm for exploring different disciplines, which aligns with the essence of the college experience!
Ready to get started? Common App goes live tomorrow!
Finally, it’s clear that you get how important the Common App activity section is, knowing its parts and how to handle it effectively. This shows how crucial it is in the college application process, which could help you stand out. As you fill out your Common Application, remember how important it is.
Good luck with your college applications this year! With the advice given above, we’re sure you’ll do well.
Key things to remember: it’s good to start early, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.
