Common App: Matching to Naviance & Adding Recommendations

All About The Common App

This page is dedicated to bringing you up-to-speed on all things Common App. The Common App is an application platform that allows students to apply to multiple partnering colleges across the nation. Over 800 colleges utilize the Common App this year alone!

Click here to be brought to the Common App's website! But, if you're looking for quick, general information, continue looking at the page below!

Why Use the Common App?

The Common App is a great tool for student who are interested in applying to multiple schools that choose to use it! With 800+ affiliated colleges, there's a lot to choose from, and it's a great way to streamline your application process if you know school's you're interested in accept the application. But, there are some instances where using the Common App creates more work for students that use it. Check out these tips below to know if the Common App is right for you:

I'm applying to 3 or more colleges that accept the Common App - Common App will save you time
- If you're applying to 3 or more colleges that accept the Common App, then using the Common App is a great choice. The more colleges you're applying to that accept it, the more time it'll save you. Simply create your account, make sure you match Common App to Naviance, and begin your applications. If you're applying to 3+ schools that accept it, CommonApp.org also has useful tools to help you track your applications and monitor additional application materials for each college on your list.

I'm applying to 2 schools that use the Common App - Common App could save you time
- Using the Common App for only 2 schools may save you some time during your application process. In this situation, getting a sense of the demands of each school's application process might work to your benefit. If the individual schools have long applications on their websites, using the Common App could work to your favor. If the individual schools have relatively quick applications, then applying directly might be the way to go.

I'm applying to 1 school that uses the Common App - Common App won't save you time; apply directly through the school's website.
- Using Common App for just one school isn't an effective use of your time during your application and research process. Making the account on CommonApp.org, going through the steps of setting up that account, and applying to your school of choice is a more demanding process than simply going directly to the school's website and applying there.

Common App Essays

Each year, the Common App has a host of essay prompts that students can choose from. Even if you're not using the Common App, knowing these prompts is to your benefit!! Many colleges, and scholarship opportunities, use similar prompts on their applications!

If you are using the Common App, each school that you're applying to will accept essays that respond to these prompts. All students using the Common App will be required to pick at least one of the prompts provided. The choice is yours; pick prompts that you know you can answer thoughtfully and thoroughly. We've bolded sections of the prompt below that we know answering well will allow students to write a strong essay. The 2020-2021 Common App Essay Prompts are as follows:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Keep in mind that many colleges may also ask you to complete supplemental essay questions that are tailored to their schools. Additionally, every year, the Roosevelt Foundation Scholarship uses the Common App Essay Prompts for their scholarship application. Familiarizing yourself with these prompts is a great idea!

Common App: Matching to Naviance & Adding Recommendations

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