Despite its widespread use among colleges, the Common App can be a confusing platform for some students as they get started on the application process. Here are some helpful tips and tricks when tackling the Common App:
Tip #1: Start early!
Give yourself at least six weeks before your earliest application deadline. Avoid the stress of fighting against the clock and the possibility of website crashes, power outages, or any other unforeseen hiccups along the way.
Tip #2: Do your writing in advance.
At Collegiate Gateway, we like to say that “Great writing starts with great thinking!” Creating strong, powerful essays requires self-reflection and multiple drafts. Have all your essays written, proofread, and ready to be copied and pasted into the Common App site. This includes the 650-word personal essay, the optional 250-word Challenges and Circumstances essay, the optional 300-word Additional Info essay; and any other supplemental essays your schools require.
Whether you create your essays in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Pages, use “paste without formatting” to copy/paste them into the text boxes in the Common App.
Some schools may also allow you to submit a resume, in addition to the list of your 10 most meaningful activities (see below). If any of your schools ask for or permit you to include a resume with your application, it would be wise to work on this ahead of time, as well.
Tip #3: Gather information ahead of time.
The Common App asks for A LOT of specifics about your background. Have it all organized and handy when you sit down to complete the application. This includes:
- Family Information: Parents’ schools (both undergraduate and graduate, if applicable), years of graduation, degree information, employment title and organization
- Your High School Information: Graduating class size, ranking information (if applicable), GPA, senior year courses, guidance counselor’s contact information
- Standardized Testing: Scores and test dates for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams
Tip #4: Prepare a list of your activities and honors.
Create a list of the activities in which you have participated during your high school years, as well as your academic honors. You have a maximum of 150 characters for each activity description, so write in phrases instead of complete sentences.
- Activities: List up to ten activities, sequenced from the most meaningful to least. At the top of the list should be activities in which you hold a leadership position, have devoted the largest time commitment, and/or have consistently participated for the longest time. You can report any activity that has been meaningful to you, during the school years or summers, in school or out of school; these include arts and music, clubs, community engagement, family responsibilities, hobbies, sports, work, and volunteering.
- List up to five academic honors. Some examples include awards in the arts or publications; AP Scholar; Scholar Athlete; and awards at the local, state, or national level.
Tip #5: Review your application in PDF Print Preview form.
Print the PDF and edit it closely. Ask someone you trust to read through it as well. You don’t want to submit an application to a college with typos or missing information!
If you need help filling out the Common App, or have any other questions about the college admissions process, set up a complimentary consultation to learn about our services. Collegiate Gateway is always happy to help!
