Common Application Overview

What are private institutions?

Private colleges/universities are independent schools that set its own policies, goals and is privately funded. Some private colleges/universities are: Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and USC.

​How to apply to these private institutions?

You can complete an application on the Common Application.

* If a private school is not on the Common App, you will need to apply to the school directly on the schools website.

​COMMON APPLICATION: CLICK HERE

Deadlines are different for every school, so be sure to keep a look out for your own school's deadline!

LIST OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS: CLICK HERE

How can I apply?

1. You will need to create an account. You will need high school transcripts, list of extracurriculars, parent/guardian information & honors/ awards. Some schools will require Letters of Recommendations, so start thinking about a counselor, teachers, or advisors.

2. After you make the account, you will add the private schools you want to apply too and fill out the common application along with the questions for each specific school.  

Things to keep in mind:

• Most colleges will require you to answer an essay question

• Most colleges will require you to have letters of recommendation, ask your recommenders early on in the year (July-August) to allow them ample time to prepare and get to know you. Provide your recommender(s) a completed Student Profile/Brag Sheet when asking!  

• Deadlines are different for every school, so check each of your school for their individual deadline (early action & regular decision).