As a certified college financial consultant, I usually talk with families about how to finance and fund their child’s higher education aspirations. But before your family can hand over your money to a college or university, your child has to be accepted there first! That’s why I’d like to focus on BIG way your child can make a great first impression when applying to school: filling out the The Common Application.
What is the Common App?
The Common Application (or Common App, for short) in an online master application form accepted by nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States and even internationally. Instead of filling out the same basic information repeatedly for each school, the Common App allows high school seniors planning to attend a four-year undergraduate program to enter their core data just once, and streamlines the initial stages of applying to multiple institutions.
The application goes live every year on August 1st at www.CommonApp.org. However, students can always start their applications prior to that date and roll them over after August 1st. Just have your senior set up their profile and enter their basic information at this time including demographic data and information about their families. An application does not have to be completed all at once. Your student can see what information is needed, fill in what they can, and save their progress to come back to later.
Be careful, though! Your family can send the Common App to as many colleges as they’d like, but each school may charge an application fee, so pay attention to how much you are willing to spend for application submissions. (Some schools will waive the fee as enticement to get you to apply.)
Tips for Filling Out the Common App:
- Don’t wait until the last minute or procrastinate. Be aware of deadlines, and have a game plan, especially if you are considering Early Action or Early Decision. Use a calendar to map out all of your important deadlines in one highly visible place. Many colleges request applications in the beginning of November, but we have seen requirements for some schools as early as September 15th. Be sure to check the university’s website directly for the most up to date information. You’ll want ample time to complete each section thoughtfully, especially the essays.
- Choose your best test scores to submit—keeping in mind colleges may require specific standardized test results (or even all of them) and official score reports from ACT or SAT.
- When listing extracurricular activities, classwork, or work experiences, put the most impactful ones first: the activity you were most involved with and had the deepest commitment too, that AP class in line with your major with the highest test score, or that summer job demonstrating your leadership skills. Always lead with your strengths.
- Tailor each application to each college. While the core information is the same across the Common App, take the time to thoughtfully answer supplemental questions and tailor your essays to each specific institution, highlighting why you’re a good fit for their program and community.
- Be sure to carefully review for accuracy before submitting making sure the application tells the university the story of your student. Proofread everything meticulously. Typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Your student can preview each page of the app to more easily review their information—a good idea especially with the written essay to make sure it appears with proper spacing and format.
- Utilize all resources at your disposal. Your high school counselor’s input can be invaluable. Don’t hesitate to seek their guidance on completing the application and writing your essays. You can also hire an Independent Educational Consultant for a more enhanced application experience.
The Common App can feel a little daunting at first, but it’s designed to make the application process more manageable. By understanding its purpose and following these best practices, you can navigate it with greater confidence and focus on putting your best foot forward to the colleges of your dreams. And remember, as you navigate this process, planning for the financial aspect remains a crucial part of the journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about saving and paying for college.
Want to know what colleges will expect you to pay? Sign up for our FREE College Money Report™. It’s quick, easy and will show you what your top schools will cost, plus what financial aid might be available to your student.
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