Did you complete the first draft of your Common Application essay?
If you did, good for you! If not, I encourage you to make this a goal over the next few weeks – before school starts! It may take several drafts to polish your essay to completion.
July and August Checklist – Continued!
The Common Application opened on August 1. Create your login and get started. Last week I gave you some tips on completing the main section. Now, you can add colleges you know you will apply to.
Be sure to refer to the Common Application for instructions on completing this section: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students.
Add the colleges you will be applying to by using the College Search tab. You will then see them listed on your My Colleges tab.
A few important tips:
- Review the College Information before you answer the individual Questions. Here you will see information about application deadlines, their test policy, letters of recommendation, additional writing requirements, and more.
- Now it is time to complete the college’s Questions.
- Recommenders and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). My students are encouraged to complete this section. By doing so, you are granting your high school permission to send your school report (transcript) and letters of recommendation to your colleges – and allows colleges to contact your high school. You will also be asked to waive your right to review letters of recommendation. I encourage you to do so!
Congratulations to my first student who has completed her Common Application essay and two supplemental writing essays! She has added all of her colleges to the Common App and is scheduled to complete her Common App main section and college questions by August 18. She aims to submit her applications by November 1 (or sooner!) Completing her Common Application early allows her to focus on her school work and activities when she begins her senior year.
Next week, you will learn about the different types of application deadlines!