Fill Out Your Common App Form

1. What is the Common App form?

The Common App, or Common Application, is a standardized college application used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. Instead of filling out individual applications for each school, students can submit one application through the Common App platform. This form collects essential information about the applicant, including personal details, educational background, extracurricular activities, and an essay, streamlining the admission process for both students and schools.

2. Who should use the Common App?

The Common App is designed for high school seniors applying to college. It’s especially helpful for students who wish to apply to multiple schools, as it simplifies the application process. Whether you’re aiming for a public university or a private college, the Common App can help you manage your applications efficiently. You may also find it beneficial if you’re applying for financial aid or scholarships, as the form can include this information.

3. How do I create a Common App account?

To create an account, visit the Common App website and click on “Common Application.” You’ll need to provide an email address and create a password. After confirming your email, you can log in to start filling out your application. Make sure to have relevant information ready, such as your high school details, a list of your activities, and personal identification information. Take your time and fill out the application thoroughly.

4. Are there fees associated with the Common App?

Many colleges charge an application fee, which can range from $30 to $90. You can pay online during the application submission. However, if paying the fee poses a financial burden, some colleges allow students to submit a fee waiver request. Be sure to check the specific policies of each institution regarding fees and waivers.

5. What kind of personal information do I need to provide?

The Common App requests various personal information, including your legal name, contact details, birthdate, and social security number if applicable. It also asks about your citizenship status, demographic information, and family background. This information is used mainly for demographic tracking and helps colleges understand the backgrounds of their applicants.

6. How important is the personal essay on the Common App?

The personal essay is a critical part of the Common App as it allows you to showcase your personality, experiences, and values beyond your grades and test scores. Colleges use your essay to better understand who you are as an individual. It’s your opportunity to discuss significant life events, challenges you’ve overcome, or passions you wish to explore in college. Aim for a well-written essay of 250 to 500 words that highlights your unique perspective.

Filling out the Common App form is a critical step in the college application process. However, many applicants make mistakes that could affect their chances of admission. One common error involves incorrectly entering their legal name. Applicants should ensure that their names match exactly with the names on their official documents. Inconsistencies can raise questions and may cause delays in processing.

Another mistake relates to omitting or incorrectly filling out contact information. It is essential to provide accurate phone numbers and email addresses. Missing or incorrect information can lead to missed communications from colleges regarding application status or additional requirements.

Many individuals also misinterpret the demographic information section. Applicants may inadvertently provide incomplete or inaccurate details about their citizenship status or ethnic background. These sections are often used for demographic analysis and gathering crucial information regarding diversity. Double-checking this information can prevent potential issues or misunderstandings.

Some applicants may fail to include all educational institutions attended, especially if there was a change in schools or if they participated in programs during high school. Providing an accurate educational history is essential for the evaluation process. Omitting a school can appear as an attempt to hide information, which could have negative implications.

Finally, applicants often do not take the time to reflect on their personal essay and its significance. This essay is a vital component of the application. It allows the admissions committee to understand the individual beyond grades and scores. Careful thought and editing can enhance clarity and impact in this important narrative. Avoiding these mistakes can improve an applicant’s overall submission and enhance their chances of acceptance.

The Common Application form serves as a primary document for students applying to multiple colleges and universities in the United States. Alongside this form, applicants often need to submit various additional documents to provide a comprehensive overview of their qualifications. Below is a list of forms and documents commonly used in conjunction with the Common App.

• High School Transcript: This document provides a record of a student's academic performance throughout high school, detailing courses taken, grades received, and overall GPA.
• Standardized Test Scores: Students may need to submit results from tests such as the SAT or ACT to demonstrate their readiness for college-level work, as many institutions require these scores as part of their admissions criteria.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically written by teachers or mentors, these letters provide insight into the applicant's character, academic abilities, and potential for success in college.
• Personal Statement or Essay: This is a critical component where applicants articulate their personal experiences, motivations, and aspirations, helping colleges to understand the applicant beyond grades and test scores.
• Resume: A resume outlines an applicant's extracurricular activities, work experience, and special skills, giving colleges a broader view of their interests and involvement outside of academics.
• Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA/CSS Profile): For students applying for financial assistance, completing these forms is essential to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships.
• Portfolio (if applicable): Art, music, or theatre students may need to submit a portfolio showcasing their work, including samples of artwork, recordings, or production credits.
• Application Fee Payment Form: Most colleges charge an application fee. An application fee payment form must be completed indicating the method of payment.
• Additional College-Specific Supplements: Some colleges require additional questions or essays beyond the Common Application, which allow schools to gauge fit and applicant interest.

Completing these documents accurately and thoroughly can significantly enhance an applicant's profile, aiding in the admissions decision process. Each institution may have its own requirements, so it is essential for applicants to review specific guidelines for each school they are interested in.

• College Board SAT Registration Form: Similar to the Common App, this document collects personal information, education history, and details about intended college choices. It is a standardized form used primarily for the SAT test registration and communicates essential applicant data to colleges.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Much like the Common App, FAFSA gathers demographic information and financial details to assess eligibility for federal financial aid. Both forms require information about dependent status and household size.

• Scholarship Application Forms: Various scholarship applications request similar information, including personal details, academic history, and extracurricular involvement. The goal behind these applications is to evaluate the candidates based on merit and need.

• University-Specific Application Forms: Many colleges have their proprietary application forms that ask for background information, essays, and application fees, akin to the Common App. They often seek to understand the students beyond just grades.

• Personal Statement or Essay Forms: These forms usually require the applicant to express their motivations, experiences, and goals - similar to the essay section of the Common App. This helps institutions gauge the student's character and aspirations.

• High School Transcript Request Forms: Similar in structure, these forms gather basic identifying information to authorize the release of academic records. They serve to provide colleges with crucial academic performance history, much like the academic sections of the Common App.

Completing the Common Application can be a pivotal moment in a student's educational journey. To ensure a smooth and effective application process, here are six key do's and don'ts to keep in mind.

• Do read all instructions carefully.
• Don't rush through the application.
• Do double-check all entries for accuracy.
• Don't include unnecessary or irrelevant information.
• Do use direct and honest language.
• Don't forget to proofread your essays and responses.

Each of these points serves as a reminder that quality and attention to detail can significantly influence the impression that admissions officers form about you. Taking your time and ensuring that every aspect of your application reflects who you are will position you as a strong candidate.

• Common App is the only application required. Many colleges also request additional materials, such as personal essays or supplemental questions, and this can vary from institution to institution.
• All colleges use the same deadlines. Each college sets its own deadlines. Always check the specific deadlines for each school to ensure timely submission.
• Your application is reviewed the same way by every college. Admissions committees have different criteria for evaluating applicants, so your application may carry different weight depending on the institution.
• Once submitted, you cannot make any changes. You can make changes to your application even after submission, but be mindful of any deadlines and requirements set by colleges.
• Financial aid information is not important. Many colleges consider financial aid applications, such as the FAFSA, essential for determining eligibility for aid, so be sure to complete all necessary forms.
• You can only apply to a limited number of colleges. There is no set limit within the Common App. However, each school may have its own requirements that you should be aware of.
• Information you provide is not used for anything important. Colleges may use demographic and other information to enhance their programs or help with recruitment strategies, so providing accurate details is crucial.

• Understand the deadlines: Each college may have different application deadlines. Be sure to check these and plan accordingly to avoid last-minute stress.

• Accurate information is crucial: Fill out your personal details correctly, including names and birth dates, as discrepancies can lead to issues with your application.

• Essays and personal statements matter: Take your time writing your personal essay. This is your chance to showcase your personality and experiences. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you.

• Be mindful of extracurriculars: Highlight the activities that are most significant to you. This gives admissions teams insight into your interests and talents beyond academics.

• Financial aid questions: Clearly indicate your intent to apply for financial aid. If you need assistance, provide accurate information to ensure you’re considered for all available options.

• Follow up on your application: After submitting the Common App, check back with the colleges to confirm that all materials have been received and that your application is complete.