The Common App is the universal application system used by most colleges and universities.

How to Apply

1. Begin documenting your activities and dates of participation on the Common App Activities Resume.

2. Complete the Common App Information Form.

3. Apply using the Common App- Click here!

(Applications do not become available until August 1st of a student's senior year)

What are Colleges Looking for on the Common App?

The following questions can help you formulate your admissions decisions and are based on what admissions officers are thinking about as they read an application.

• Demographic and Family Information
  What’s the make-up of the family? Is this a single-parent home? Does this student have siblings? Have the parents attended college? Can we assess what level of financial resource this family might have based on parent occupations?
  There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions, but they do provide a context in which to view the students’ records.

• Extracurricular Activities
  Does the student have prolonged commitment to his/her activities? Do the activities take place in school or out of school? Does the student have a job? How does the student spend the summers? Did the student create opportunities to explore interests or pay for that experience through an organization? Is the student a leader or a great team member?
  (There are no preferred activities or requirements for arts, athletics, community service or other categories. Admissions officers are not looking for a certain activity, but they are looking for students who are involved in any type of extracurricular program. For example, there is no advantage to playing baseball over tennis or being an athlete over a musician).

• Curriculum and Grades
  Has this student taken advantage of the curriculum available at school to challenge himself/herself? Is the student earning good grades? Is there an upward or downward grade trend, or have the grades largely stayed the same? How do the student’s courses relate to what he or she might want to study in college?

• Standardized Testing
  Is the testing within the admissions profile, above it or below it? If a student tests high, are their grades also high? If a student has SAT subject tests, do those secondary test scores help to give a better picture of that student’s strengths?

• Essays
  What is the quality of the student’s writing? Does it sound natural as you read it? What does the essay reveal about the student’s personality and approach to life?

• Letters of Recommendation
  How does the counselor letter summarize this student’s record? What are teachers saying about this student in the classroom? What are both letters saying about this student on his or her high school campus?

-Nick Accroco

Non-Restrictive Application Admission Options

(Applications Have Until May 1st to Confirm Enrollment)

Restrictive Application Admission Options

(Students are Responsible for Following Restrictions)

Recommended Reading: https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/applications/early