In today's competitive college admissions landscape, applying to colleges can be a daunting task. With so many different application platforms available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process and ensure that your application stands out. One popular platform for college applications is the Common App. If you're wondering how to submit your college application on the Common App, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll walk you through the process step by step, providing tips and insights to help you submit a strong application.
When it comes to applying to college, one of the biggest pain points for students is the sheer number of applications they need to complete. Each college often requires a separate application, which can be time-consuming and stressful. The Common App aims to simplify this process by allowing students to fill out one application and submit it to multiple colleges. However, even with the Common App, there are still many steps to complete and important information to provide.
To submit your college application on the Common App, start by creating an account on their website. Once you've created an account, you can begin filling out your personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities. It's important to be thorough and accurate when completing these sections, as colleges will use this information to evaluate your application. The Common App also gives you the opportunity to upload any necessary documents, such as your transcript or letters of recommendation.
In summary, submitting your college application on the Common App involves creating an account, filling out personal information and academic history, providing details about your extracurricular activities, and uploading any necessary documents. It's important to take your time and ensure that you provide accurate and complete information. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to submitting a strong college application.
How to Submit Your College Application on the Common App: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to submit your college application on the Common App. To illustrate the process, I'll share my personal experience with using the Common App to apply to college.
When I was applying to colleges, I decided to use the Common App because it allowed me to streamline the application process and save time. To get started, I created an account on the Common App website. The registration process was straightforward, and I was able to set up my profile in just a few minutes. Once my account was set up, I began filling out my personal information.
The Common App provides a comprehensive form where you can input your personal details, such as your name, address, and contact information. It also asks for information about your high school, including your GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. I made sure to double-check all the information I entered to ensure its accuracy.
After completing the personal information section, I moved on to the academic history section. Here, I entered details about my high school courses, including the names of the classes, the grades I received, and any honors or awards I received. I also had the option to provide additional information about my academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
Next, I filled out the extracurricular activities section. This was an opportunity for me to showcase my involvement in clubs, sports, community service, and other activities. I provided a brief description of each activity and included any leadership positions or notable achievements.
Once I had filled out all the necessary sections, I reviewed my application to make sure everything was complete and accurate. I then uploaded any required documents, such as my transcript and letters of recommendation. The Common App allows you to request recommendation letters from your teachers or mentors directly through the platform, making it easy to manage this aspect of the application process.
Finally, I submitted my application. The Common App provides a checklist to help you keep track of your progress, ensuring that you've completed all the necessary sections before submitting. Once I was confident that everything was in order, I clicked the submit button and sent my application off to the colleges of my choice.
In conclusion, submitting your college application on the Common App is a straightforward process that involves creating an account, filling out personal information, providing details about your academic history and extracurricular activities, and uploading any necessary documents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to submitting a strong application and increasing your chances of getting accepted into your dream college.
What is the Common App?
The Common App is an online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application. It was created with the goal of simplifying the college application process and making it more accessible to all students. The Common App is used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and around the world.
Using the Common App offers several benefits to students. First and foremost, it saves time and effort by allowing students to fill out one application instead of multiple individual applications. This can be especially helpful for students who are applying to a large number of colleges. Additionally, the Common App provides a centralized location for students to manage their applications, track their progress, and submit necessary documents.
The Common App also offers a range of resources and support for students throughout the application process. They provide guidance on topics such as choosing a college, writing essays, and requesting letters of recommendation. They also have a robust customer support team that can assist students with any questions or issues that arise.
The History and Myth of the Common App
The Common App was first launched in 1975 by a group of 15 colleges as a way to streamline the college application process. At the time, each college had its own individual application, which created a significant amount of paperwork and duplication for students. The Common App aimed to simplify this process by creating a standardized application that could be used by multiple colleges.
Over the years, the Common App has grown in popularity and expanded its reach. Today, it is used by thousands of colleges and millions of students worldwide. The Common App has also evolved to include additional features and functionality, such as the ability to request recommendation letters and submit supplemental materials.
While the Common App has been widely adopted and praised for its convenience, there are also some myths and misconceptions surrounding its use. One common myth is that using the Common App increases your chances of getting into a college. While it's true that many colleges accept the Common App, each college still has its own unique admissions criteria and process. Using the Common App does not guarantee admission to any particular college.
Another myth is that using the Common App means you have less control over your application. Some students worry that by using a standardized application, they won't be able to highlight their individual strengths and accomplishments. However, the Common App provides ample opportunities for students to showcase their unique qualities through essay prompts and the extracurricular activities section.
The Hidden Secret of the Common App
One hidden secret of the Common App is the option to use the "Additional Information" section to provide context or explanation for any unusual circumstances or challenges you may have faced during high school. This section allows you to provide additional information that may not fit elsewhere in the application but is still relevant to your overall profile.
For example, if you had a significant drop in grades during your junior year due to a family illness or personal hardship, you could use the "Additional Information" section to explain the situation and provide context for the admissions committee. This can help them understand the circumstances surrounding your academic performance and make a more informed decision.
It's important to use the "Additional Information" section judiciously and only provide relevant and necessary information. Admissions officers are busy and may not have time to read lengthy explanations or irrelevant details. Focus on providing concise and impactful information that adds value to your application.
Recommendations for Using the Common App
Based on my experience and the experiences of others, here are some recommendations for using the Common App:
- Start early: The college application process can be time-consuming, so it's important to give yourself plenty of time to complete all the necessary steps. Start working on your Common App as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
- Read the instructions: The Common App provides detailed instructions for each section of the application. Take the time to read and understand these instructions before filling out each section.
- Be thorough: The Common App provides multiple sections for you to showcase your accomplishments, experiences, and interests. Take advantage of these sections to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded picture of who you are as a student and individual.
- Proofread: Before submitting your Common App, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors or typos. It's also a good idea to have someone else read it for you to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
- Follow up: After submitting your Common App, make sure to follow up with your high school counselor and any recommenders to ensure that they have completed their portions of the application. Stay organized and keep track of any deadlines or additional materials that need to be submitted.
Understanding the Common App Essay Prompts
One of the most important components of the Common App is the essay section. The essay prompts give you an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and share more about yourself with the admissions committee. It's important to choose a prompt that resonates with you and allows you to tell a compelling and authentic story.
The Common App offers seven different essay prompts to choose from. These
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