What is the Common App and who uses it?
The Common Application is the most widely filled out college application. It is also the most extensive college application, as it covers over 900 colleges and universities in both the U.S. and abroad.
Find the application here.
The Common App allows students to apply to up to 20 colleges. However, most colleges do require students to submit supplemental materials along with the mandatory materials of the common app.
The Common App is free to use, but most schools do require you to submit an additional fee to apply to them, ranging from $25 - $90.
How do I get started?
Good news- there's a step-by-step guide!
What do I put in my activities list?
Great question. This is how you might display your interests and passions beyond the school day. What do you spend your time doing outside of school?
Find a great article/resource for this topic here.
Do I need an essay or letters of recommendation?
The answer is definitely yes on an essay and probably yes on letters of recommendation. Because this application can be applicable to hundreds of schools, each school may vary. You will see as you select the schools you are applying for that supplemental items will appear. Fill out a Brag Sheet and provide it to your recommenders!
In the meantime, if you want to check out the common app essay prompts, you can find them here.
Have any tips on the common app essays?
Definitely. This is not like writing an essay for English, this is personal and you will be using "I" statements. After reading your essay, what values do you want someone to walk away knowing about you? Can you remember a story/time in your life when you displayed those values? Write about it.
If you've perused this website/your Google classroom, you can probably tell by now that I think The College Essay Guy is one of the best resources out there. So I'll link some helpful ones below:
Have any tips on the letter of rec process?
Why yes, I do!
Tip #1: You should be asking the person who you think knows you best, not necessarily which teacher you think holds weight. Maybe your elective teacher has watched you struggle and overcome a challenge in their class- that will help them in speaking to your characteristics better than a math teacher that you barely spoke to.
Tip #2: ASK EARLY. Please give your teacher/counselor/coach/etc. at least 2-3 weeks to write you a letter.
Tip #3: Montgomery counseling staff has a student information sheet that they require you to fill out before they write your letter. I would seriously consider doing this and giving it to whoever you ask for a letter of recommendation. It helps the writer narrow down on the qualities that you want highlighted.
Tip #4: Send them a thank you card. They just did you a favor and it's always nice to feel appreciated.