The Common App (link) is used by more than 750 colleges, universities, and trade schools in both the U.S. and abroad. The application cycle opens on August 1 each year.

The Coalition for College Access (link) is an application that is part of an overarching platform (The Coalition for Access and Affordability) to promote greater access in higher education.

Please talk with us about fee waivers for application fees.

The people writing your recommendations are doing you a favor, so make it easy for them by being considerate and organized. Here's how:

• Provide ample time for the letter to be written – ask at least three weeks in advance.

• Schedule an appointment to discuss the recommendation in person with your teacher, coach, mentor, faith leader, or community leader.

• Give your recommender information, including items and resources, including:

  • Your correct contact information (your full name as it appears on the application, email and phone number).

  • A recent resume listing work and/or community service experiences, achievements, leadership opportunities & activities, and skills.

• Helpful Tip: If you're concerned that your recommender has forgotten your letter, gracefully remind them by asking if they need more information.

• If your school uses Naviance, your recommendations may be submitted through Naviance or through your online application. If you have a question about how recommendations should be submitted, ask your guidance counselor.

• IMPORTANT! Once your recommendation has been sent or submitted, be sure to send a personalized, hand-written thank-you note to your recommender.

Students who complete the Common App must complete an essay. Please reach out to OSS' Graduate Support Office if we can help you brainstorm ideas for your essay, offer feedback, or help with editing. The Common App 2022-2023 essay prompts are: *AMY CONFIRM*

• Common App Essay Option 1 – Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story. Link to support document.

• Common App Essay Option 2 – 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?

• Common App Essay Option 3 – Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

• Common App Essay Option 4– Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

• Common App Essay Option 5 – Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Link to support document.

• Common App Essay Option 6 – Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging 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?

• Common App Essay Option 7– 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.

• This editing checklist (link) may help you self-review your Common App Essay before submitting it.