I'm starting to prep for my college apps and heard a lot about the Common App. How do you navigate it efficiently, and are there any common mistakes to watch out for? Any tips would be super helpful!
Sure, it's great that you're getting started on your Common App process! Here are some tips to guide you through:
1. Get familiar first: Before you dive into filling out the application, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different components. It's made up of sections like Personal Information, Education, Test Scores, Activities, Writing, and Courses & Grades, so understanding what each of these includes will help you prepare ahead.
2. Personal Details: Make sure your personal details are accurate. You might think it's a simple step, but spelling errors or typos in your name, address, or the names of your parents could potentially cause administrative issues down the line.
3. Activities Section: For the activities section, be thoughtful about how you list and describe your extracurriculars. Resist the urge to simply list everything you've ever done; it's usually better to focus on a few activities that you're deeply involved in. Try to express the depth of your involvement and any leadership roles or particular contributions.
4. Essays: For the essays, avoid common topics like sporting victories or community service trips unless you have a fresh approach to them. Instead, focus on experiences or topics that are unique to you and tell a story only you can tell. Don't hold back from making revisions until you're satisfied with your essays - a well-rounded essay takes time and multiple drafts.
5. Recommendations: If your colleges require letters of recommendation, make sure to ask your recommenders well in advance. This gives them plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter.
6. Early Review: Review your application multiple times before hitting submit. It sounds simple, but it's easy to overlook small mistakes or typos that could reflect badly on your application.
Common mistakes to avoid:
1. Procrastinating: Start your application as early as possible to avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Not saving your work: While the Common App generally autosaves your work, it's a good idea to save often, just in case.
3. Not making use of the additional information section: This section isn't required, but it's a great place to explain complex situations or circumstances that have affected your academic performance.
4. Overlooking the specific requirements for different schools: Each school may ask for different supplemental essays or materials, so pay close attention to these as you complete your application.
Remember, the goal of the Common App is to present a well-rounded picture of who you are, both in and outside of the classroom, so take your time and shine through your application! Good luck!
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