What Parents Need to Know About the Common Application: A Comprehensive Guide
The college application process is a daunting task for both students and parents. With so many details to consider and forms to fill out, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The Common Application was created to simplify the process, but it still requires a clear understanding of how it works to ensure that students can successfully apply to the colleges of their dreams.
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application is an online college application system that allows students to apply to multiple schools simultaneously. It was created in 1975 and is now accepted by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States, Canada, China, and Europe. Students can complete one application and send it to all participating colleges.
Why Use the Common Application?
Using the Common Application can save time and reduce stress. Rather than filling out individual applications for each school, students can complete one application and submit it to multiple schools. This also means that students only need to write one essay and obtain one set of transcripts and recommendation letters.
How Does the Common Application Work?
To use the Common Application, students must create an account on the official website. Once the account is created, students can access the application and begin filling it out. The application consists of several sections, including personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and an essay.
What Should You Include in the Common Application?
When filling out the Common Application, it’s important to include accurate and complete information. Students should provide their full legal name, date of birth, and social security number. They should also provide a complete academic history, including all high schools attended, grades earned, and any standardized test scores.
In the extracurricular activities section, students should list all clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, and other activities they participated in throughout high school. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their interests and passions outside of academics.
The essay section is perhaps the most important part of the Common Application. Students should use this section to tell their story and demonstrate why they are an ideal candidate for the colleges they are applying to.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
When filling out the Common Application, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could harm your chances of acceptance. These include:
– Failing to proofread for spelling and grammatical errors
– Providing inaccurate or incomplete information
– Neglecting to submit all required materials, such as transcripts and recommendation letters
– Writing an essay that doesn’t effectively showcase your personality and qualifications
Conclusion
The Common Application can be a great tool for college-bound students, but it requires a clear understanding of how it works and what information to include. By following these guidelines, parents can help their children successfully navigate the application process and increase their chances of being accepted to their dream schools.
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