When it comes to applying for college, it cannot be more stressful for the students, the parents, the friends, and even the teachers. You spend years in school preparing for this specific occasion: Time for college!
So, we all know the old fashion way of applying for college: filling out the same information over and over and maybe even adding some extra documents and materials to some colleges. That process makes everything even more difficult.
And it should be an easy and simple process as this is one of the biggest transitions in your educational life, therefore, the Common App is the best way to apply for the college of your dreams without those traditional college application mistakes which almost every student do!
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the App.
What Is the Common App?
The Common App is an online college application that students fill out to apply for different colleges. Instead of going through the process of refilling the same information over and over again including general information such as the GPA, the address, etc for each college, this application allows them to fill in their info only once.
Additionally, it helps students follow up on their important deadlines and documents such as recommendation letters.
How Does the Common App work?
To use the Common Application, you need to create a new account and fill out the information needed including ACT or SAT scores, academic honors, official transcripts, contact information, a personal essay, and extracurricular activities.
Once you have finished filling out your information, you need to check every prospective college’s requirements as some colleges might need more documents such as a recommendation letter or a different essay.
Even though your personal statement can be used to apply to many colleges, some schools require different documents. Therefore, make sure to check out the school-specific supplemental requirements as you might need to spend some time finishing those tasks individually.
Is the Common App a Free Service?
The Common App is free of charge to use, however, some colleges require fees for the application separately. But this is not very common as almost 49% of schools do not charge anything for the application fees. So, keep in mind to check those fees while applying for each school.
Can I Use the Common App for Any College Application?
While the Common App is used by over 900 universities and colleges and is the most used college application system in the U.S, Some colleges choose different methods for their application.
For instance, Ivy league and many private schools use different applications such as “Universal College App” or “Coalition App” instead of the Common App.
Even though those two apps are frequently used, the Common App still provides plenty of essay prompts and a huge number of schools accept it. Making the Common App the most suitable option for many first-year applicants.
When Is the Common App Due?
The deadline of your application depends mainly on whether you are applying for a “regular decision” which is usually January 1st or if you are applying for an “early decision or early action” which is usually November 1st.
Those deadlines might vary according to the school you are applying to. Therefore, make sure to check the application deadlines for each college you apply to.
However, you should have your application materials prepared ahead of time to leave some window for any unexpected occurrence such as system delays or technical issues. Especially on the last day as all the students will be trying to submit their application at the last minute possible.
What Schools Accept the Common App?
The Common App is the leader of college application systems. It is accepted by over 900 universities and colleges including international institutions, public universities, and all Ivy League universities. The following is a list of universities and colleges that accept the Common App:
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Chicago
- Yale University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Stanford University
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Arizona State University
- Columbia University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- Northwestern University
- Princeton University
- Brown University
- Cornell University
- Duke University
- Johns Hopkins University
- The Ohio State University
There are plenty of other universities that join this list every year, some schools require using a different application to apply for them such as the University of California system and Georgetown University.
Important Tips for Using the Common App
Is it time to start using the app and apply for future colleges? Read these crucial tips before beginning to help you stay on track.
1. Collect All the Materials As Early As Possible
Even though you need to wait till August 1st for the App to open, you can start preparing early by collecting all the materials and documents needed for the application.
Some documents such as official transcripts and recommendation letters might take some time to obtain. Therefore, ensure to start collecting these documents as early as you can.
2. Discover the Common App System
While the Common App is not complicated or confusing, it does require some information that takes some time to obtain.
For instance, there is a section in the App regarding financial aid, which requires plenty of parental information. Therefore, open up the Application and familiarize yourself with it to save yourself some time when it is time to apply.
3. Get Your Personal Statement Ready!
Before the application opens, the Common App allows you to view possible essay prompts, this allows you some time to brainstorm, draft a personal statement and organize your time. It is not only better for admission but also for work-study or part-time jobs as well.
4. Do Not Miss the Deadlines!
It is recommended to use a calendar and set yourself a few reminders to collect the required documents and to stay ahead of schedule.
Waiting until the last minute to collect and submit your application can be very challenging as technical errors might occur due to the number of students trying to submit their applications at the last minute as well.
The Common App has saved so many students plenty of time and effort when it comes to applying for schools. Make sure to have all the materials and documents you need ready so that the process would go smoothly and quickly.
