Applying to college can be a daunting process. With dozens of forms, essays, and deadlines, the logistics alone can feel overwhelming. Enter the Common Application, or "Common App" for short—a platform designed to simplify the college application process by allowing students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application.
In this blog post, we'll break down what the Common App is, how it works, and why it could be a game-changer for students looking to streamline their college applications.
What is the Common App?
The Common Application is an online platform that allows students to apply to over 1,000 member colleges and universities in the United States and around the world with one application.
How Does the Common App Work?
The Common App streamlines the college application process in several key ways:
Single Application Form: Instead of filling out individual applications for each college, students fill out one Common Application form. This form includes sections for personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Essay Prompts: The Common App provides a set of essay prompts from which students can choose. This personal essay is an essential part of the application, allowing students to showcase their writing skills and personality beyond grades and test scores.
Supplemental Materials: While the Common App covers the basics, many colleges require additional information, such as supplemental essays, portfolios, or specific questions unique to the institution. These can all be submitted through the platform.
School-Specific Requirements: Each college has its own set of requirements, deadlines, and fees, which are easily managed through the Common App dashboard. The platform also provides a checklist for each school to keep track of what's been submitted and what's still needed.
Recommendations and Transcripts: Students can invite teachers, counselors, and other recommenders to submit letters of recommendation directly through the platform. High schools can also send official transcripts via the Common App.
Fee Waivers: The Common App offers a fee waiver for students who meet certain criteria, such as financial need. This can significantly reduce the cost of applying to multiple schools.
Benefits of Using the Common App
The Common App provides several advantages for both students and colleges:
Convenience: With a single application, students can apply to multiple schools, saving time and reducing the redundancy of filling out the same information repeatedly.
Increased Accessibility: The platform's user-friendly interface and centralized management tools make the application process accessible to a broader range of students, including those who may lack extensive college counseling resources.
Organized Process: The Common App dashboard allows students to keep track of deadlines, requirements, and submission statuses, reducing the likelihood of missing crucial application components.
Greater Opportunities: Because the Common App is accepted by a wide variety of colleges, students are encouraged to explore a broader range of schools, including those they might not have considered otherwise.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the Common App offers many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks:
Supplemental Requirements: Many colleges still require additional materials beyond the Common App's standard sections. These supplemental essays and requirements can still be time-consuming.
Application Fees: Each college has its own application fee, which can add up quickly if applying to multiple schools. However, fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Intense Competition: Because the Common App makes it easier to apply to more schools, it has contributed to increasing competition at many colleges, especially selective ones.
Tips for Navigating the Common App
To make the most of the Common App, consider these tips:
Start Early: The Common App opens on August 1st each year, but students can create an account and begin working on their application before then. Starting early ensures you have ample time to gather materials, request recommendations, and craft compelling essays.
Stay Organized: Use the Common App's built-in tools to track your progress and deadlines. Consider creating a separate checklist for each school's supplemental requirements.
Use Resources: The Common App website offers many resources, including a virtual advisor, video tutorials, and a support center to help answer any questions you might have.
Tailor Your Essays: While the Common App essay is one-size-fits-all, the supplemental essays are an opportunity to tailor your application to each school's values and culture.
Seek Feedback: Before submitting your application, ask teachers, counselors, or mentors to review your essays and provide feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors and help strengthen your writing.
The Common App is a powerful tool that simplifies the college application process, making it more accessible for students worldwide. By understanding how it works and leveraging its features effectively, students can navigate the complex landscape of college admissions with confidence and ease. Whether you're applying to a handful of schools or casting a wide net, the Common App is a resource worth exploring to help make your college dreams a reality.
Happy applying!
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