There’s an App for That

College applications have several moving parts. The process can be time-consuming and overwhelming. It can be especially frustrating when you’re applying to a number of colleges and they’re asking you to fill out the same info—over and over and over again, in different systems.

In steps Common App—an online application that serves to streamline the process of applying to colleges. Through this single platform, you can manage multiple applications, request letters of recommendation, and connect to additional resources on financial aid. The app is actually not all that new, but it’s certainly grown in popularity and transformed technologically, since its early beginnings 45 years ago.

How Do I Start?

According to the Common App folks, themselves, your first step should be to gather materials. You’re gonna get specific, detailed questions on your application(s). It’s a whole lot simpler to enter the info when you have everything at your fingertips. Here’s what you’ll probably need:

• A copy of your high school transcript
• Your list of activities outside the classroom (including work, family responsibilities, hobbies, and community involvement)
• Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (like SATs or ACTs)
• Parent/legal guardian information (such as their occupation, employment status, and education level)
• Academic honors and achievements

Next, create an account on the Common App’s site.

• Choose your registration type (if you’re still in high school you’ll select the “First-Year Student” option)
• Fill in some basic information (such as best email address, full legal name, phone number, date of birth, etc.)
• Click the blue “Create Account” button at the bottom

Now it’s time to add the colleges you’re interested in. You’ll do this in the “College Search” tab of the site. You can either search by name or set filters and have colleges suggested for you that fit the criteria. Once a college is added to your list, you’ll be able to see it on your Dashboard and the “My Colleges” tab. You can have up to 20 colleges on your list.

You don’t have to do this alone! Be sure to engage supporters in the process. All colleges will need official forms from your current school. Many require letters of recommendation, which typically come from teachers or guidance counselors. You may also want general advisors or family members to help keep you on task and check in to make sure you’re fulfilling all the steps. Each of these supporters can be invited to join you on the app and help submit things directly to the colleges.

It’s critical that you keep on top of and understand the requirements of each college you’re applying to. The Common App helps you do that. One of the best ways is by creating a “requirements grid” for you, which can be accessed from your Dashboard. The grid gives you concise information on each college, such as deadlines and writing requirements.

It’s time, now, to plan your essays. Don’t get tripped up or be afraid of this important step. Common App helps you organize and draft your essays, making this writing portion much more manageable. It includes an easily accessible list of college-specific questions and even provides prompts and ideas to get you brainstorming on what you’d like to write about.

Ready, set, and submit your application! The final part of the process will consist of reviewing your application(s), paying the application fee (if the college has one), and clicking the blue “Submit” button within your Common App account.

Diving Deeper

Even if you’re not quite ready to submit college applications, the Common App is a great organizational tool to get prepped to submit. The App is updated every August 1st with the very latest from each of its participating colleges (more than 900 around the world). You can start an account and begin inviting supporters and saving essay ideas, which can then be rolled over into the coming years.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the functions within the Common App:

College Search Tab—this is where you add schools to your list. It comes with great search filters. For example, a filter could be set to show schools within a certain zip code, or schools that don’t charge an application fee, or have/don’t have certain testing requirements.

Common App Tab—this is where you’ll be completing all the common aspects (such as name, address, school attending, etc.). These items will then be automatically put into the individual applications. This tab also has an “Activities Section.” This helps colleges better understand your life outside the classroom. You can list up to 10 activities and you’ll want to think of things that set you apart/make you unique—not simply involvement in clubs or sports. You’ll see prompts like “family responsibilities,” “work,” “volunteering,” “community engagement,” and “hobbies.”

Writing Section Tab—this is where your essay is kept. Common App provides 7 different writing prompts or ideas. You’ll choose one that best suits you. This is another way for colleges to get to know you better and for you to make your voice stand out. Counselors recommend focusing on something you’re passionate about. And mention things here that aren’t represented elsewhere in the application. This is your chance to shine!

My Colleges Tab—this is where you’ll go to actually submit your application to specific schools. You’ll also complete college-specific questions here. This is where the FERPA or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act form will be filled out, where you’ll invite recommenders, and submit a writing supplement, as well (if a school asks for one, beyond the essay).

Dashboard Tab—this gives you a quick snapshot of your college list, the requirements of each school, helps keep you on track with your deadlines, and is a quick way to manage everything.

Financial Aid Resources Tab—from here you can connect directly to financial aid offices at specific colleges. You can also get info about FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile, and discover new scholarship opportunities. You’re even provided resources on how to compare and understand financial aid award letters.

Extra Perks

Common App is always updating and upgrading. Some other things you can appreciate about the service include:

• A streamlined fee waiver request process (for schools who charge an application fee. If you qualify, you’ll automatically be able to connect to Common App’s FREE virtual mentor service.)
• A 24/7/365 day support team who is ready to answer any questions.
• A strong presence on social media (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram).

Give Yourself Time

Some college experts suggest it’ll take at least 6 weeks to complete a college application. That includes gathering and requesting the needed info/documents and organizing what your essay(s) may look like. Beginning your Junior year of high school is NOT too early. This gives you the time needed to get organized and also provides your teachers, counselors, and family the time needed to pull together the very best that puts you in a standout position.

Take advantage of great resources like Common App and in the words of its President and CEO, make the college application experience one “that sparks joy rather than anxiety.” You’ve got this!