Hey there! I'm about to start my college application process, and I keep hearing people mention the 'Common App.' Can someone explain what it is, its benefits, and how it works for applying to colleges? Thanks in advance!
Hello! The Common App, short for the Common Application, is an online platform that streamlines the college application process for students like you. By using the Common App, you can apply to multiple colleges with a single application, saving you time and effort. Over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States and a few international institutions accept the Common App, making it a convenient choice for many students.
The key benefits of the Common App are that it simplifies the application process and eliminates the need to repeatedly enter the same information for different college applications. You only have to fill out your personal information, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and test scores once, and the platform will share this information with all the colleges you choose to apply to. However, be aware that some colleges may have additional supplemental essay questions or other requirements specific to their institution.
The Common App has several sections that you need to complete:
1. Profile: In this section, you provide your basic information, like name, address, contact information, and demographics.
2. Family: Here, you give details about your family background, including information about your parents' education and occupations.
3. Education: This part includes information about your high school, GPA, class rank, and any coursework outside of your regular high school offerings (e.g., online or college courses).
4. Testing: You report your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) in this section, if the colleges you apply to require them.
5. Activities: List and describe your extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, hobbies, community service, and work experience.
6. Writing: You write a personal essay that goes to all the colleges you apply to. This essay gives you a chance to showcase your personality, values, or life experiences beyond your academic profile.
7. College-Specific Supplements: Finally, some colleges require additional essays, short-answer questions, or other materials to complete their application. You can find these under the "My Colleges" tab in the Common App.
Once you've completed the necessary sections, you can add colleges to your list and submit the same application to all of them. Make sure to pay attention to each college's application deadlines and requirements, as they can vary.
In summary, the Common App is a valuable tool that makes applying to multiple colleges more manageable by consolidating the overall process. By completing the required sections and any college-specific supplements, you will have a comprehensive application that can be sent to numerous institutions. Best of luck with your college application journey!
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