So I am completely new to this college admissions process and to be honest, I’m actually really nervous for my upcoming senior year.
Regarding the common application, do you just send it to each school that accepts it and that’s it? So that means technically it’s easier to apply to the schools that accept the common app because you don’t have to fill out another application…? If someone could explain, that’d be great. Also in your explanation act like I’m a 1st grader so that it’s easier for me to understand. Thanks!!
There are two parts to a basic application on CommonApp: (1) the actual “common app” part that is the same for each college, and (2) the “unique” aspect for each college. I’ll explain each part a little more.
(1) All colleges need a lot of the same information. This includes your profile (name, home, ethnicity, etc.), family (education level, number of siblings, etc.), your education (high school and counselor info), your SAT/ACT tests (including any subject tests, TOEFFL, etc.), your extracurricular activities (you list your top 10 in order of importance), and the CommonApp essay question (you pick one of six).
(2) Some colleges will have different requirements from other colleges. For example, you may be applying ED to one college or EA to three, but that is not the same for each college, so you have to list it on every college. Stanford has three smaller essays that aren’t part of the CommonApp essay questions, and other colleges may have their own, different, essays that you may need to write. Other colleges may/may not want letters of recommendation, so you submit them by college. Some colleges may accept art supplements, but not all.
Basically, what you do is click on a list of colleges you want to apply to, and they appear on a “dashboard.” You also have a link to “CommonApp.” You click between these two; the colleges on the dashboard to fill out individual college requirements and the CommonApp section to fill out the information sent to all colleges.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
^Good explanation! Just to add to it, you submit each college when it is ready to go (you don’t have to submit all at once). If there is an application fee, you pay that via credit card as part of the submission process. I am sure there are other ways to pay, and some low income students get waivers, but paying online as you submit is most common.
You can work on your app, and save to go back later. Be sure to print off your apps and proofread before you send them, because you can’t correct through the Commom App once you send it.
Sometimes the Common App is slow or even goes down on days when a lot of schools have deadlines. Submit a few days early to save yourself the stress.
Once you submit, the school downloads the app. Most send you an email with info on how to check your app status on their school portal. Really keep an eye on the portals and your email account! It can take several days to hear from a school after submitting, so don’t panic if it takes a week or so.
Thanks guys! You really helped me understand the CommonApp a lot better.