Step-By-Step Guide

When you have successfully completed a section of the application, you will see a green checkmark.

You will be asked for your citizenship status.  If you select "US Citizen or US National," you will be asked to provide your Social Security Number. If you selected "DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status," you will not be asked for a Social Security Number.

You will have the option to request a Common App Fee Waiver. If you have questions about whether or not you qualify, please contact the Future Center.

These questions help schools learn more about you and your family.

You will be asked to provide information about your class size, rank, grades and GPA - all of this information can be found out your transcript (in Infinite Campus).  In regards to class rank, it is acceptable to not provide this information as class ranking in the CBS system is not comparable to class ranking in non-CBS education systems.

You will also be asked for the GPA Scale Reporting.  You can select 4.

You will be asked to provide your current classes.  Check your school schedule for accurate class names.

You will be asked to report any academic honors.  Examples include academic awards, lettering, attendance awards, etc.

You will be asked the names of community organizations that helped you with the college application process.  Examples include AVID, TRIO-Upward Bound and YES Scholars.

You will be asked about your Future Plans.  If you are Undecided, you should definitely visit with a Future Center counselor to make sure you are applying to the correct schools. It also strengthens your application if you have a career plan identified.

You will be asked if you would like to report test scores.  While many schools are test-optional (they do not require test scores), it may be to your advantage to still provide them, especially if you have strong scores.  And you may be competing with other students who are providing scores.  If you have questions, please see a  Future Center staff member.

In this section, you will see which of your schools are requiring a personal essay.  It is very important that you take your time in writing a response, having others read your essay, and make sure that it is a high quality final draft before you cut-and-paste into your application.  Make sure you also closely read the directions and the prompts!

You need to click on each of your schools to see the additional information requested.

To be able to have teachers, counselors, etc. provide a letter of recommendation, you must first complete the Release Authorization form which allows your high school(s) to provide your student records to colleges on your list.  You must also decide if you waive your rights to read any recommendation letters that are written about you.  If you are unsure how to answer, please contact the Future Center.

You can now provide contact information for your recommenders - once you do, they will receive an invitation from Common App (through email).  Make sure you first contact your recommenders and ask their permission before you add them to your application!

When you click on Review and Submit, you may see a list of sections that are not complete.  Click on each section to answer the missing information.

Once everything is finished, you will be able to submit your application!