Hi all, I've been trying to create a my Common App account and I'm having some trouble. Could someone give me a quick walkthrough on how to set up my profile and get started? Also, any tips and tricks on navigating the Common App would be much appreciated. Thanks!
First of all, don't worry; setting up a Common App account is straightforward, and I'm happy to walk you through it.
1. Go to the Common App website (www.commonapp.org) and click on "Apply now" in the middle of the page.
2. Choose the "First Year Student" or "Transfer Student" option based on your application type, and click "Create an Account" to start the registration process.
3. Fill out the requested fields, including your email address, creating a password, and providing your full name, date of birth, and home address.
4. Click "Create Account" once you have filled out the required information.
Now that your account is created, I'll share some tips to help you navigate the platform:
1. Dashboard: This is the landing page when you log in. You'll see a list of colleges to which you'll apply, deadlines, and status of each application component. You can also search and add schools to your list here.
2. My Colleges: Under this tab, you'll find each individual college's application, including their specific questions, essays, and requirements. Make sure to go through each section for every college on your list.
3. Common App: This is where you will complete the main bulk of your application, including your personal information, academic history, test scores, activities, and the personal essay.
4. Financial Aid Resources: Here, you'll find helpful articles and resources about financial aid. Remember to research and apply to scholarships and financial aid opportunities outside of the Common App, too.
5. Profile: This section lets you edit your basic information, manage recommendations, and link your Common App account to third-party services like Naviance, if applicable.
Some general tips:
- Save your work periodically: While the Common App automatically saves your progress, it's still a good idea to manually save as you work through different sections.
- Be mindful of deadlines: Keep track of submission deadlines for each school and any additional application components (e.g., letters of recommendation or supplementary materials).
- Proofread and review: Ensure everything in your application, including your essay, is thoroughly proofread before submission. Ask a teacher, counselor, or friend to review as well.
Good luck with your application! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.
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