If you are thinking about applying to US universities, you are entering into a fierce competition. High school graduates from across the world dream to study in the United States. You need to be a strong and outstanding candidate if you want to get into a college of your choice. Most colleges refer to your application in judging you for admission. So college application is an integral part of your path to a college education. Common App serves you for this purpose.
What is Common App?
Common App (formally known as The Common Application) is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 800 member colleges and universities in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, and many European countries. Member colleges and universities that accept the Common App consists of over 100 public universities, 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and over 250 institutions that do not require an application fee. It is managed by the staff of a not-for-profit membership association (The Common Application Inc.). Its mission is to promote access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process to students who are at any distance from their college in the globe, which includes subjective factors gleaned from essays and recommendations alongside more objective criteria such as class rank.
It is a digital platform for submitting the application which reduces the burden for students to apply individually to the colleges of their choice.
How to apply to US colleges via the Common App?
Create Your Account
You can create your account as early as you like. All you’ll need is some basic profile information – like your name, date of birth, address and phone number. And of course, you’ll need to provide a valid email address.
Note: Your email address will become your username and the Common App’s primary method of sending you updates and reminders, so make sure that you provide an email address that you check on regularly.
Add Schools To Your List
The Common App presents you with the opportunity to search from more than 800 schools (private, public, large and small), find the ones that meet your needs, and then add them to your ‘My Colleges’ list—an all-in-one convenient place to track the work ahead of you.
Once you log in, simply click on the College Search tab to find schools based on their name, location, deadline, or distance from your home. You might discover a terrific school you would’ve otherwise never known about, and the Common App will connect you to the institution to apply directly.
Common App also has a feature called ‘Virtual Counselor’ which helps you in figuring out schools that are fit for you according to your profile data.
Understand Your Schools’ Specific Requirements
Just like every student is unique, so is every school. We know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. No two schools will have the exact same requirements. Therefore, your application process will vary for each school on your list.
Common App has ‘Requirements Grid’ and a downloadable ‘Requirements Tracker worksheet’ to help you in understanding your college’s requirements. These resources will ensure that you’re ready to submit everything your schools requires by the deadline.
Gather Your General Application Information
While every school has a different list of college-specific requirements, the general application information (for the Common App) will remain constant for all schools on your list.
You’ll be asked to list your high school grades and courses, along with your activities, entrance exam scores, and exam dates, and parents or legal guardian information. Get a head start and save yourself time by collecting this information before you fill out the application. You’ll be glad you did.
The Common App also has an Application Dictionary to support you in understanding the terms related to the application.
Start Your Application
Feeling nervous? That’s normal. The hardest part is getting started. As you delve into the application, you’ll realize that it’s less of an intimidating process. It is more of an exciting chance to showcase your talents, highlight your goals, and tell your personal story. And if you have a question along the way, we’re here to help. Visit our Applicant Solutions Center or Virtual Counselor at any time. Good luck!
Common App has made its new companion app for mobile devices available.