Common App Tips?

Hey guys! I'm starting to work on my common app and I'm kinda lost. Any advice on how to make my application stand out? What mistakes should I avoid?

Hi! Working on your Common App can be daunting, but with some guidance, you can create a standout application. Here are some tips and mistakes to avoid:

1. Be yourself and genuine in your responses. When you write your main essay and fill out your activities list, make sure your true voice and experiences shine through. Avoid trying to be someone you're not or exaggerating your achievements.

2. Essays matter a lot. Spend a significant amount of time brainstorming and editing your personal statement. Make sure your essay has a clear theme or message that highlights your passions, experiences, or a significant moment in your life. As for essay topics, try to avoid clichés such as sports injuries, moving, or immigrant stories. An interesting and well-written essay is one of the main things that can make you memorable. You can read more about how to tackle the personal statement on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/.

3. List the right extracurricular activities. Make sure to include meaningful activities that show commitment, leadership, or impact on your community (regardless of whether it's small or large). Aim for quality over quantity and try to demonstrate a "spike" in a particular area of interest, as that will help show admissions officers what you have to offer that no other applicant does.

4. Proofread and edit. Make sure your application is free of grammatical or typographical errors. Ask for help with editing from teachers, mentors, or friends.

5. Manage your time wisely. Start working on your Common App early so you have enough time to revise your essays and gather all the necessary documents.

6. Research schools to tailor "Why this college" essays effectively. You're likely to encounter this kind of supplement at least once, and if you do, make sure you dive deep into the school's programs, resources, and community to sincerely demonstrate your interest and what you would contribute to their campus. You can read more about how to tackle this kind of essay on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/. Keep in mind that their blog also contains extensive guidance on other common supplemental prompts, as well as the required essays for particular schools, so if you're feeling stuck on a supplement, don't worry - you're not alone!

7. Celebrate your uniqueness. Emphasize unique experiences, skills, or perspectives that set you apart from other applicants.

Mistakes to avoid:

- Procrastinating and submitting an application last-minute.

- Choosing an overused or clichéd essay topic without making it unique or personal. You can read more about cliche topics and how to avoid them on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/cliche-college-essay-topics.

- Writing a generic "Why this college" essay and failing to mention specific programs or resources that genuinely interest you.

- Failing to proofread your application thoroughly, as that can lead to errors or an unpolished essay.

Good luck with your application! Putting in the time and effort to present yourself authentically and thoughtfully will help make your application memorable.