Common Application

Common Application

All You Need to Know About the Common App

The process of applying to graduate school can be a time-consuming and frustrating endeavor for both students and their parents. Students often find themselves juggling SAT exams, school visits, challenging senior-year coursework, application preparations, and paperwork. Fortunately, the Common App, an application platform accepted by over a thousand institutions, including some colleges outside the United States, simplifies a crucial aspect of the application process for students.

Despite its widespread use, some families who are unfamiliar with the college application process may find the Common App to be complex. This blog aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for both parents and students to navigate the Common Application more effectively.

Understanding the Common Application

The Common App is a non-profit organization that collaborates with more than 900 higher education institutions. Their mission revolves around aiding students in achieving their academic goals by:

– Utilizing statistics and information to educate their member organizations.
– Assisting individuals who support students in the application process.
– Eliminating administrative and logistical barriers to college admission.
– Providing services to a diverse range of students.

The Common App website allows students to apply simultaneously to multiple universities. Consequently, students only need to fill out the standard information required by most schools once, such as their personal details, location, and extracurricular activities.

Nursing Admission Application Letter Writing

How It Works

Here are the steps to follow when using the Common App for your college applications:

1. Visit Commonapp.org and click on the “Start your application” tab to access information on creating an account and logging in. Students can also download the Common App mobile app to set reminders, communicate with recommenders, and keep track of deadlines.

2. Choose between the options for transfer students or first-year students.

3. Provide your personal details, including your name, phone number, email, birthdate, location, and the intended year of registration.

4. Complete your personal profile, including information about your household, demographics, extracurricular activities, and education.

5. Include individuals who can provide supporting materials or letters of reference, such as professors or mentors.

6. Search for colleges and add them to your list in the “My Schools” section.

7. Familiarize yourself with each institution’s application guidelines and adhere to them during the registration process.

Latest Common App Essay Prompts

For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the Common App offers the following essay prompts:

1. Reflect on a moment when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted this reflection, and what was the outcome?

2. 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, share your story.

3. Submit a paper on a topic of your choice. It could be an essay you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own creation.

4. Describe a time when you received a gift that took you by surprise and made you feel grateful. How did this act of kindness affect you? Were you inspired in any way?

5. Share an essay on a topic, idea, or concept that engages you so deeply that you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

6. Adversity can provide essential lessons for future success. Describe a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it impact you emotionally, and what did you learn from the experience?

It’s worth noting that not all educational institutions require essays from their applicants. Some colleges may request additional essays, so candidates should review the requirements for each institution on the Common App or consult the college’s website.

Colleges and Universities That Accept the Common App

The Common App is widely accepted by over 950 colleges and universities, making it the leading platform for college admissions. This includes prestigious institutions such as:

– Brown University
– Northwestern University
– Yale University
– University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
– Vanderbilt University
– Columbia University
– University of Minnesota Twin Cities
– University of Chicago
– Johns Hopkins University
– Cornell University
– Harvard University
– Dartmouth College
– Princeton University
– Stanford University
– Duke University
– University of Pennsylvania
– Arizona State University
– The Ohio State University

While many colleges use the Common App, some institutions have their own application systems. Therefore, it is essential to check each school’s website for specific application procedures.

How the Common App Works for Transfer Students

The Common App’s transfer section generally functions similarly to the process for first-time applicants, with a few exceptions. Over 800 institutions accept the Common App for transfer students.

Transfer students are required to provide additional information about the colleges they have previously attended. The application form will prompt transfer students to specify the college or institution they have attended, admission dates, and the courses taken.

Transfer students are also typically required to submit an essay as part of their application.

Drawbacks of Using the Common App

While the Common App offers numerous advantages, it is essential to consider some potential disadvantages:

1. Ease of Over-application: With over 1000 institutions accepting the Common App, students may be tempted to apply to an excessive number of colleges. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and apply only to schools that align with your goals and preferences.

2. Limited Personalization: Applying through the Common App may limit a student’s ability to convey their specific interest in a particular program or institution, potentially making it harder for admissions committees to assess fit.

3. Data Privacy Concerns: Since the Common App collects applicants’ confidential information, there is always a risk of data breaches or privacy issues. While the Common App has privacy measures in place, it is essential to be aware of this potential risk.

4. Technical Issues: Like any online platform, the Common App may experience occasional technical glitches or downtime. This can be stressful for applicants, especially when deadlines are looming.

5. Costs: While using the Common App is generally more cost-effective than submitting individual applications, there is still an application fee. Additionally, some colleges may have their own application fees.

6. Limited Customization: The Common App may not offer as much customization as some applicants would prefer, as it is designed to serve multiple institutions. Some colleges may have unique essay questions or admissions criteria not supported by the Common App.

Expert Tips for Using the Common App

To make the most of the Common App, consider the following expert tips:

1. Choose recommenders who can provide valuable insights into your application and progress.

2. Avoid starting your applications at the last minute, as this can lead to errors and added stress. Many schools accept late applications, but it’s best to submit well in advance.

3. Begin your applications early and utilize the Common App preview feature to review your applications before submission.

Who Should Use the Common App?

The Common Application is widely recognized by prestigious colleges and universities, offering a simplified and efficient method for applying to multiple institutions simultaneously. Even if your college does not accept the Common App, you can still transfer essential information such as high school credentials and final exam results, as most colleges require similar documents.

Key Features of the Common App

The Common App website is organized into five sections. Students typically start by using the ‘College Search’ feature to explore institutions. Once selected, colleges can be accessed through the “Dashboard” tab, which provides an overview of your application’s progress and tasks to complete for each school.

You will need to fill out the remaining sections of your application, including transcripts, test scores, family history, and more, on the “Common App” page.

Common App Fee Waiver

The Common App, along with most colleges, believes that application fees should not be a barrier for any student. If you meet specific criteria, you may qualify for a Common App fee waiver.

To request a fee waiver, visit the Common App Fee Waiver section in your Profile. After completing this section, your counselor can submit a fee waiver form to verify your request. The Common App fee waiver will then be applicable to all your college applications.

Conclusion

The Common Application has become a popular choice for students applying to college and university programs. With over 900 member institutions, the Common App simplifies the college application process by allowing students to complete a single application and submit it to multiple colleges. This approach not only enables students to apply to more schools but also saves time and effort.

Over time, the Common App has evolved to offer additional tools and resources, including the ability to track application status, request letters of recommendation, and upload documents. Our experts have played a crucial role in helping students better understand and navigate the Common App.