Frequently Asked Questions: What is the Common App and How Can It Be Used?

7 min read

Applying to college can feel like navigating a complex maze, filled with deadlines, essays, and countless different application portals. Fortunately, there's a powerful tool designed to streamline this process for prospective students applying to multiple institutions: the Common Application, often simply called the Common App. As a US university admissions agency, we wholeheartedly recommend familiarizing yourself with this platform – it can be your greatest ally in your journey to higher education.

FirstPoint USA is hosting a webinar on 4^th June to help give you a better understanding of the Common App, but before then, we break down its purpose, how to use it, summarise its key feature and give you those all-important tips on delivering a stand-out application.

What Exactly is the Common App?

Think of the Common App as a universal application form accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States - and even internationally. Instead of filling out the same basic information repeatedly for each institution, you only need to enter it once on the Common App platform, saving you much time and effort. This includes your personal details, family background, academic history, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores (if required).

Beyond the basic information, the Common App also serves as your central hub for submitting essays and requesting letters of recommendation. This centralized system simplifies the application process, allowing you to focus more on tailoring your individual applications to each specific college.

Why Do You Need to Use the Common App?

For the vast majority of students applying to multiple US colleges and universities, using the Common App is not just convenient – it's really a necessity. Many institutions, including highly selective ones, exclusively accept applications through this platform. By utilizing the Common App, you unlock access to a wide range of educational opportunities that might otherwise require navigating numerous individual application portals, each with its own unique format and differing requirements.

Additionally, the Common App is highly efficient and reduces the potential for errors. By entering your core information once, you minimize the risk of inconsistencies or typos across multiple applications. This allows you to present a more polished and professional profile to each admissions team.

Navigating the Common App: Key Features

The Common App is designed to be user-friendly. Here is a breakdown of its key sections:

Profile: This section gathers key personal information, including your name, contact details, date of birth, citizenship, and demographic information. You should ensure all details are accurate and match your official documents.
Family: In this section, you'll provide information about your parents or legal guardians, their educational backgrounds, and occupations.
Education: This is where you detail your high school coursework, exam grades, GPA and any college courses you may have taken. You'll also need to request your official high school transcript through this section.
Testing: If the colleges you are applying to require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, you will detail your scores in this section. You'll also need to arrange for the official score reports to be sent directly from the testing agencies to the institutions. Keep in mind that many universities have adopted test-optional policies, so research each college's specific requirements.
Activities: This section allows you to showcase your extracurricular involvement, work experience, volunteer activities, hobbies, and any other significant accomplishments outside of school. You can list up to ten activities, providing details about your role, responsibilities, time commitment, and any achievements. Be specific and use action verbs to describe your contributions. For example, instead of saying "Volunteer Coach," you could say "Organised, coached and mentored a group of 12 juniors alongside a professional coach for an 8-week period during the school holidays, developing the group from beginner level to junior club competitor level.”
Writing: This vitally important section includes the main Common App essay and any supplemental essays required by individual colleges. The main essay provides an opportunity to share your own unique story, demonstrate your personality, and illustrate perspectives beyond your academic record. Supplemental essays allow you to address specific prompts from individual institutions, demonstrating your interest in their particular programs and offerings.
Courses & Grades: Some colleges may require you to self-report your high school courses and grades in this section. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully and accurately.
College Search: This feature allows you to search for colleges that accept the Common App and add them to your application list. You can filter by location, major, and other criteria.
Recommenders and FERPA: In this section, you will invite teachers and counselors to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. You will also need to complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) waiver, indicating whether or not you wish to have the right to view your recommendation letters. We generally advise waiving your right to access, as this signals to colleges that your recommenders have provided candid and honest assessments.

Conquering the College Essay: Your Voice Matters

The Common App essay is your chance to shine and make a lasting impression on the admissions team. It's not just about your grades and test scores; it's about who you are as an individual. Here are some key pieces of advice:

Choose the Right Prompt: Carefully read each of the essay prompts and select the one that resonates most with you and allows you to write a compelling story about yourself.
Be Authentic: Write your essay in your own voice and let your personality come through. Don't try to be someone you're not or write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
Tell a Story: Engage the reader with a strong narrative that has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Focus on a specific experience or moment that reveals something significant about your character, values, or personal growth.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply stating qualities like "leadership" or "resilience," illustrate them through specific examples and anecdotes.
Reflect and Analyze: Think beyond simply describing an event. Reflect on what you learned from the experience, how it shaped you as an individual, and what insights you gained.
Proofread: Errors in grammar and spelling can create a negative impression. Proofread your essay meticulously and multiple times over, then and ask a trusted teacher, counselor, or friend to review it for a second pair of eyes.

Tips for a Standout Application

To ensure your Common App application is as strong as possible, take time to consider the following pieces of advice:

Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Begin working on your application well in advance of the deadlines to avoid rushing and ensure you have ample time for revisions.
Pay Attention to Detail: Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness. Even small errors can create a negative impression.
Utilize the Preview Feature: Before submitting, use the preview feature to review your entire application and ensure everything appears as intended.
Meet Deadlines: Be aware of the specific application deadlines for each college and submit your application materials on time.
Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek advice from your high school counsellor, teachers, or an experienced admissions advisor. They can provide valuable feedback and support throughout the application process.

The Common App is a powerful tool that can significantly simplify your college application journey. By understanding its features, crafting compelling essays, and paying attention to detail, you can present your best self to admissions committees and unlock the door to your future academic success. Embrace the process, be authentic, and let your unique story shine through!

Featuring our guest speaker Jameia Tennie, Director of Student Engagement at Common App.

FirstPoint USA’s Head of University of Admissions Beth James is here to help our prospective student-athletes through the admissions process, including navigating the Common App. If you are interested in pursuing the college sport pathway with FirstPoint’s support, please register your interest today and one of our experienced team will be in touch to arrange an introductory appointment.