The Common Application

The college application process in the United States can be both exciting and overwhelming. One tool that has simplified this process for millions of students is the Common Application, often referred to as the "Common App." In this guide, we will walk you through each section and question on the Common App, what materials you should have at your fingertips, and provide resources for further assistance.

Section 1: Personal Information

The first section of the Common App is straightforward but crucial. Here, you'll enter your personal details such as your name, date of birth, contact information, and citizenship status. Be sure to double-check your information for accuracy.

Materials needed:

• Contact information
• Citizenship details

Section 2: Family

This section requires information about your family members. You'll need to provide details about your parents or guardians, including their educational background and occupation.

Materials needed:

• Parents' educational history
• Parents' employment details

Section 3: Academic History

The academic history section is where you'll list all the high schools you attended and provide information about your coursework. You'll need to provide details about your classes, grades, and standardized test scores.

Materials needed:

• High school transcripts
• SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
• A list of courses taken and grades received

* If you are not sure whether or not to take SAT or ACT, read this and this.

Section 4: Testing

If you've taken standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, this is where you'll report your scores. Some colleges require test scores, while others have adopted test-optional policies.  Even if you don't use SAT or ACT test scores for college admissions, you can use them to apply for scholarships. 

Materials needed:

• SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)

Section 5: Activities

In this section, you'll list your extracurricular activities, work experience, and any honors or awards you've received. Be concise but thorough when describing your involvement in these activities.

Materials needed:

• A list of extracurricular activities.  Basically, what are you in to outside of school?  This is one place where students can stand out from other applicants. After all, we all tend to spend our time outside of school in a highly individualized manner.  Be real. 
• Details about your work experience.  Working consistently throughout high school is definitely a character builder especially if you have worked for one place over a many years.   It shows commitment and deference. 
• Information about any awards or honors.  Basically anything from 9th grade forward is fair game and this does not need to be related to academics nor your high school. 

Section 6: Writing

The Common App includes an essay section where you'll respond to one of several essay prompts. This is your chance to showcase your writing skills and provide admissions officers with insight into your personality and experiences.

Materials needed:

• Time for brainstorming and writing.  
• Feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers. Have a group of people read and critique your essay.  Make sure spelling and punctuation are thoroughly checked. 

Section 7: Additional Information

If there are any circumstances or information you believe the admissions committee should be aware of, you can provide details in this section. Use it to explain any gaps in your academic record or special circumstances.

Materials needed:

• Any relevant documents supporting your additional information.   Basically, anything that provides an objective paper trail of dates to support the circumstances being discussed. 

Section 8: Recommendations

Here, you'll request recommendations from teachers and counselors. You'll need to provide their contact information and give them plenty of time to write and submit their recommendations.

Materials needed:

• Teacher and counselor contact information.  
• Sometimes it is helpful to outline anything you would like your recommenders to cover-especially if it reinforces something unique about your character, scholarship, or personality. 

Section 9: Colleges

In this crucial section, you'll select the colleges you want to apply to and specify your admission plan (e.g., Early Decision, Regular Decision). Be sure to research each college's specific requirements and deadlines.

Materials needed:

• A list of colleges you're applying to
• Knowledge of each college's requirements and deadlines
• Here is a college search tool from College Board. 

Section 10: Review and Submit

Before hitting submit, carefully review all sections of your application. Check for typos, inaccuracies, and missing information. Once you're confident, submit your application.

Materials needed:

• Time for final review

The Common Application is a powerful tool that simplifies the college admissions process by allowing you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. By preparing the necessary materials and thoroughly completing each section, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

For more detailed statistics and insights about colleges, visit the IPEDS database at www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds. And for guidance on specific colleges' admission requirements and application deadlines, always refer to their official websites and admissions offices. You can get there from here.

Preparing a strong Common App is just the beginning of your college journey, but with the right materials and information at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect academic home.

References:

• Common App. (2023.). https://www.commonapp.org
• College Board. (2023). https://collegeboard.org
• IPEDS, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds.