• Tips for using the Common Application

    Visit www.commonapp.org and use the “Member Institutions” feature to see if the schools on your list accept the Common Application. Some schools ONLY accept the Common Application. Other schools accept the Common App or their own application.

    Create your own student account. You will be prompted to enter your email address and create a password. Make sure you enter an email that you check on a regular basis. You may also want to consider creating a college-only email account to help you track your applications.

    College Search:  Use this tab to begin developing your college list. Search for your schools, then select “add” to create the list of schools to which you are applying.

    Common App:  Under this tab, you can access the Common Application itself. This is where you will answer questions about yourself (demographics, high school education, extracurricular activities) and write your Common App essay that goes to ALL schools.

    Dashboard:  This tab allows you to track your progress through each school’s application requirements. Use the grey arrow to view details about your progress with each school’s requirements.

    My Colleges:  Through this tab, you can see a snapshot of the school’s general deadlines and application requirements, such as application fees, testing policy, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, you can view school-specific essay prompts and questions. Finally, you will assign specific recommenders to each school. It is through this tab that you will actually submit your applications to each school.

    Important notes:

    • If a Common App schools require a counselor recommendation from your college counselor.
      1. Provide your college counselors contact information in the “Education” portion of the Common App.
      2. Invite your college counselor to your account in the “Assign Recommenders” section under the My Colleges tab. This will automatically generate an email to your college counselor through which she can upload a letter of recommendation and a copy of your transcripts. Please do this at least two weeks prior to your deadline to allow your counselor sufficient time.
      3. Turn in your completed Counselor Questionnaire at least two weeks before your deadline. This helps your college counselor get to know you better and write a specific, detailed letter all about you! This form is required before your college counselor can write your letter of recommendation. You may also want to have a parent complete a Parent Brag Sheet (See College Counselor) if you are not sure what to share with your counselor.
    • Request teacher recommendations, if necessary. Some schools will require one or two teacher recommendations. You can view these requirements under the My Colleges tab. It is under this tab that you will also invite your teachers to your account by selecting “Assign Recommenders” under each college in your list. Be sure to also speak to your teacher in person and provide them with a Teacher Recommendation Request Form (pg. 23). Do not simply request the letter through the automated email! Once your teachers receive emails inviting them to your account, you will be able to see when letters of recommendation have been uploaded on your behalf. If you would like this letter to be on file for use at other, non-Common App schools, ask your teacher to provide an electronic copy to your college counselor as well.