<p>So this college wants me to submit a common application since I will studying for Visual and Arts program. They also want me to do a portfolio or audition. These are the prerequisites from Syracuse U.
Anyways, I have no idea what a common application is. All of this time, I didn't know, because I really thought I would not need it since I already have note down the deadlines for regular applications or early action, early decision, and priority. </p>
<p>It’s a website that a lot of colleges use for applications. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.commonapp.org”>www.commonapp.org</a></p>
<p>Your Guidance Counsellor should have explained this process to you.</p>
<p>It’s an application that hundreds of schools use. You fill it out once, then you can send it to lots of schools. You write one essay and send it to all. When you add schools, they will also have short extra questions for you to answer.</p>
<p>@Maggpie thanks, does this common application affect your chances of getting accepted. For example is it preferable to apply using the school’s application rather than the common application? </p>
<p>It is better (much better) to use the Common Application. Schools find it easier because all the components are delivered via computer to them. They don’t have to handle paper, scan stuff, and maybe lose things! They strongly prefer it.</p>
<p>Plus… you should apply to more than one college, just in case you can’t get in or can’t afford Syracuse if you don’t get enough financial aid. Many schools take the Common Application with no or only a little additional work (sometimes they have “supplemental” sections in the Common App just for the one school). So filling out the Common App is a good thing.</p>
<p>Your Guidance Counselor at school should be able to help you if you have specific question about the Common App or things like how teacher recommendations get submitted, too.</p>