Once you have created a Common Application Account, you will be able to apply to the majority of your schools. For those that do not use the Common App, you will likely be able to copy/paste over the answers from your Common App to their school specific applications after the fact; so it is still great to get your Common App completed.
The breakdown of the Common App Account is as such:
Dashboard - Once you have picked the schools you intend to apply to, and specified the application type (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular, or Rolling) this area will list your schools and all of their deadlines
My Colleges - The list of colleges you plan on applying to, this section also includes the individual supplemental questions per school, as well as the FERPA Waiver and recommenders area
Common App - This is the general application that every school you apply to with the Common App will be able to see
College Search - Use this section to look up colleges that you would like to add to your "My Colleges" list
Financial Aid Tools - A section devoted to financial aid education
Watch this short video to see a general overview of Common App works
Common Application Tutorial Library - Watching these additional short videos will help explain how the entire site works.
STEP ONE
Add the schools that you would like to apply to on your Common Application Account, by way of the "College Search" Tab.
STEP TWO
Fill out the "Common App" Tab. Most of the information will pertain to you directly, aside from the Education Section. To aid you in filling out that specific section, please use the the "Navigating the Common App" document that will be shared with you during Senior Guidance Seminar - which is created annually for Natick High School students specifically. You will receive your transcript, GPA, and access to the graduating class GPA chart by the second session of Senior Guidance Seminar in the fall.
STEP THREE
Working on your list of activities, precisely listing your courses, and editing your essay to the 650 word limit are going to be the items that take the most time to complete - so please do them carefully. You may use the essay that you wrote in junior year, or start over fresh. Keep in mind, your essay is one of your opportunities to make you stand out as an individual. The essay topics you may choose from, all with a 650-word limit, are listed in the Common App under the Writing section.
STEP FOUR
Now that you have created your Common App, and completed the Common App Tab, finished your FERPA Waiver, and matched your account to Naviance (this will be done in Senior Guidance Seminar) you are ready to invite your writer(s) of your letter of recommendation. The process is done through Naviance. Students are advised to speak with a teacher toward the end of junior year to make the formal request. After verifying that they are still able to write you a letter, please follow the steps provided in the following link to send them the electronic request to upload your letter: Naviance Instructions for Students to Request Teacher Recommendations
STEP FIVE
On Naviance, add the names of colleges to the "Schools you are thinking about list" by clicking "Colleges" and then that tab, choosing a school after searching for its name, checking the box to the left of it, and then clicking the heart button to add it to your list. Your Naviance list should include EVERY school you are applying to with Common App, plus any school that you are applying to that does not utilize the Common App. If you were using the list for planning purposes and are no longer going to apply somewhere, please take the school off of your list.
Fill out a Transcript Release Form at least one month prior to needing your school records and counselor letter of recommendation sent out. Please check out the guidelines for the Transcript Release Process by clicking here. Once you understand the Transcript Request Process, please click the following link to access the Transcript Release Form. We also have copies in the Guidance Department already printed out. They are in the hanging folders on the right side wall when walking into Guidance.
STEP SIX
On Common App, you must complete the supplemental questions about each individual school by clicking each school's name on your "College List" tab. Some will be quick, while others will be much more extensive. Take your time to do them accurately, but keep you deadlines in mind. Once you have indicated the type of application you wish to file, you will then see the deadlines show up on your Common App Dashboard Tab.
STEP SEVEN
If you are applying "Test Optional" then there is no need to send out any standardized test scores or self-report on the Common App. If you are going to apply using scores, make sure to log into your SAT or ACT accounts and actually send your official test scores to the school. Even if you self-report your scores on the Common App, it is still your responsibility to send your official score reports from the testing organization. You can see whether or not a college allows you to apply test-optional under each college's tab in the "My Colleges" section.
STEP EIGHT
Complete your applications and apply by the deadlines. If you are applying to a school that does not use the Common App, make sure that you are meeting those school's deadlines as well.
STEP NINE - Outside of the Common App
Complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid through the government. The only way to know if you are eligible for grants, work study, or loans is through this method. It is a reoccurring process, so save your log in information and FSA ID number, so you can file on an annual basis.
STEP NINE - Outside of the Common App
Start looking for and applying to scholarships at the schools you are applying to (they may have specific in-house scholarships through their Financial Aid Departments). Toward the end of January/beginning of February, we will have a NHS assembly for seniors to learn about the local scholarship program we have at our school. You must meet internal deadlines to be considered. You also need to be in it to win it!