The college application process can be overwhelming, but the Common Application (Common App) simplifies it by allowing students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single form. To help you navigate this platform more effectively, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know.
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application is a standardized online college application platform used by over 900 colleges and universities worldwide. It streamlines the application process, saving students time and effort compared to filling out separate applications for each institution.
Why is the Common Application Important?
- Wide Acceptance: Common App provides access to a vast array of colleges and universities, so there’s always a school for everyone.
- Efficiency: By merging the application process into one form, students can focus more on the quality of their application rather than managing multiple forms.
- Holistic: The Common App offers colleges a comprehensive view of the applicant through various sections, helping them assess the student's overall fit for their institution.
The Seven Sections of the Application
Each section of the Common Application is designed to give colleges a well-rounded understanding of the applicant. Here’s a breakdown of what each section is and tips for completing them effectively:
1. Profile
- What it Includes: Personal information such as name, address, contact details, date of birth, and citizenship status.
- Tips: Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. Double-check for any typos or errors, as this basic information is crucial for identification and communication.
2. Family
- What it Includes: Details about your household, including information about parents and siblings, their education, and occupations.
- Tips: Provide complete and honest information. Highlight any educational achievements of family members that may be relevant to your application.
3. Education
- What it Includes: High school information, GPA, class rank, details about advanced courses, and grades received.
- Tips: Ensure all information is placed in the correct area and include accurate and meaningful details about your academics.
- List all schools attended and report your GPA accurately, following the correct scale (weighted or unweighted).
- Include any significant academic achievements, such as honors or awards, in the Honors/Awards section.
4. Testing 
- What it Includes: Standardized test scores including SAT, ACT, and any AP Exam scores.
- Tips: Research schools policies, submit strong scores, test frequently and early!
- Research Policies: Check each standardized testing policy. Some colleges could be test-optional or test-blind.
- Submit Strong Scores: Only report scores that reflect well on your academic abilities.
- Multiple Tests: You can submit multiple tests across several months to ensure your highest scores in each section are being considered
- Test Early: For Early Decision (ED) applications, take the ACT/SAT by October to ensure timely submission. Remember to check each school's policy.
- For more information on standardized testing, check out our recent blog: Navigating the MIxed Policies of ACT/SAT Requirements for the 2024-2025 School Year.
5. Activities
- What it Includes: Extracurricular activities, work experience, and hobbies.
- Tips: Narrative Building
- Craft a Holistic Narrative: Detail leadership positions, achievements, and time dedicated to activities.
- Quality Over Quantity: List up to ten activities on the Common App, but focus on a few meaningful ones with detailed descriptions. Remember. quality over quantity!
- Prioritize Impact: Prioritize experiences that demonstrate involvement, impact, and connection to your values and goals.
- Reflect on Your Journey: Show how each role has shaped you, focusing on challenges overcome, skills gained, and lessons learned.
- What Specifics to Include:
- Position or leadership role
- Name of organization or club
- Brief description of the activity
- Related accomplishments
- Number of hours spent per week/weeks per year.
- Include quantitative information whenever possible to highlight the impact of your activities!
- This approach not only showcases your achievements but also tells a cohesive story of growth and uniqueness.
6. Writing 
- What it Includes: The Common App essay and any additional writing supplements required by specific colleges.
- Personal Essay Tips: Use the personal essay to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals.
- The ultimate goal is to get them to choose you over other applicants. As such, personal statement sample essays must tell a unique story about you that conveys who you are!
- Colleges are looking for students who demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to grow from their experiences. Reflect on what you have learned from your experiences and how they have shaped you!
- Supplemental Essay Tips
- Supplemental essays are an opportunity to address each college’s specific prompts creatively yet effectively.
- Use these essays to demonstrate why you are a good fit for that particular institution and how you can contribute to their community.
- Talk about why that school specifically will help you get where you need to go in the future. Research specific courses, clubs/programs, or research labs you are interested in joining.
- Some colleges will require you to submit the supplemental essays as a separate submission, and some colleges will have their essay strewn throughout their “member questions” section, so make sure to check all application components for “hidden” questions!
7. Courses & Grades
- What it Includes: Detailed information about the courses you have taken and your corresponding grades.
- Tips: Highlight advanced or relevant courses that align with your intended major or career path.
- If you know your desired major, this is a good place to showcase relevant coursework and strong grades in those subjects.
Additional Tips for Success
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to complete each section thoroughly and thoughtfully.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each college to ensure you don’t miss any important details.
- Seek Feedback: Have a teacher, counselor, or mentor review your application before submitting it to catch any errors and provide constructive feedback. Our college readiness specialists are here to help!
- Be Authentic: Be honest and genuine in your responses. Colleges are looking for students who are true to themselves and who will contribute positively to their campus community.
Navigating the Common Application can be a complex process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a strong and well-rounded application. If you need guidance or support, Invictus Prep is here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule your FREE trial call with one of our college readiness experts to start your journey towards academic success today!