How to Use the Common App for College Admissions 2024-2025
The Common Application, or Common App, is a streamlined way for students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one centralized application. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use the Common App to maximize your chances of success.
1. Create an Account
Visit the Common App website: Go to commonapp.org and click on the "Create an Account" button.
Select your account type: Choose "First-Year Student" if you are applying as an undergraduate freshman.
Enter your email and personal details: Fill out your name, email address, phone number, and other required information. Choose a password and set up your security questions.
Confirm your email: Check your inbox for a confirmation email from the Common App and follow the instructions to verify your account.
2. Add Colleges to Your List
Search for colleges: Use the "College Search" tab to find the schools you’re interested in applying to. You can search by college name, state, or specific criteria like size, location, and majors offered.
Add colleges: Once you find a college, click the "Add" button to add it to your list. Repeat this process for all the colleges you plan to apply to.
Review requirements: Each college has its own set of application requirements, such as essays, recommendation letters, and test scores. Click on each college in your list to review these requirements.
3. Complete the Common App Sections
Profile: This section includes your personal information, contact details, demographics, and other basic information. Fill out each field carefully.
Family: Provide information about your parents or guardians, including their education and employment details.
Education: Enter details about your high school, current courses, academic achievements, and any colleges you’ve attended if applicable.
Testing: Report your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.), if applicable. You can also choose whether to self-report scores or send official scores through testing agencies.
Activities: List your extracurricular activities, work experience, and hobbies. You can include up to 10 activities, so choose those that best reflect your interests and leadership roles.
Writing: This section includes the personal essay, which is a key component of your application. Choose one of the provided prompts and write a compelling essay that reflects who you are.
4. Complete College-Specific Questions and Supplements
Review college-specific questions: After adding colleges to your list, each will have specific questions and additional requirements. These may include short answer questions, additional essays, or portfolios.
Answer questions: Go through each college’s specific questions carefully. Some may ask about your interest in the school, intended major, or other relevant information.
Write supplemental essays: If a college requires supplemental essays, write and edit them carefully. These essays often focus on why you want to attend the school or what you can contribute to their community.
5. Request Letters of Recommendation
Identify recommenders: Choose teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and achievements.
Add recommenders to your application: In the "Recommenders and FERPA" section, add your recommenders’ names and email addresses. They will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letters.
Waive your rights: Decide whether to waive your right to access your recommendation letters. Waiving this right is usually recommended as it assures colleges that the letters are candid.
6. Submit Your Application
Review your application: Carefully review all sections of your application to ensure everything is accurate and complete.
Pay application fees: Most colleges require an application fee. Pay the fee online for each college. If you’re eligible for a fee waiver, request it in the Common App.
Submit your application: Once you’ve completed all sections and reviewed your application, click the "Submit" button for each college. Confirm that the submission was successful.
7. Track Your Application Status
Check your application status: Use the Common App dashboard to track the status of your applications. You can see if your applications have been submitted and if your recommenders have sent their letters.
Follow up on any issues: If any components of your application are missing, follow up promptly to ensure everything is submitted on time.
8. Submit Additional Materials (If Required)
Send test scores: If required by the college, ensure that your SAT/ACT scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
Submit portfolios or other materials: For certain programs (e.g., arts or design), you may need to submit a portfolio. Follow each college’s specific instructions for submitting these materials.
9. Prepare for Interviews (If Applicable)
Schedule interviews: Some colleges may offer or require interviews as part of the application process. If an interview is offered, schedule it through the college’s admissions portal.
Prepare for the interview: Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and reasons for wanting to attend the college.
10. Wait for Decisions and Respond
Monitor decision notifications: Colleges will notify you of their admissions decisions through the Common App or their individual portals. Make sure you know when decisions are expected.
Respond to offers: Once you receive admission offers, decide which college you will attend. Follow the instructions to accept the offer and submit any required deposits.
Final Thoughts
Using the Common App can simplify the college application process, but it’s important to stay organized and attentive to deadlines. By following this step-by-step guide, you can efficiently navigate the application process and improve your chances of getting into your preferred colleges.
