The Common App
What is the Common App?
Common App is an online college application platform that students use to manage all the information and documents needed to apply to university. This helps students have access to a single application that could be used to apply to many schools. It is often not mandatory, but convenient and time-saving during the college application process.
Common app is free to use but charges application fees based on your school of choice during submission. The Common App has also evolved into a hub where students can research other aspects of the college application journey such as financial aid and scholarships, and university resources.
Over 900+ colleges and universities use the Common App such as: University of South Florida, University of Miami, Saint Louis University, University of Houston, University of East London (UK), Ryerson University (Canada), and more.
How to use the Common App?
Take a look at the steps on how to navigate the different parts of the Common App and building your application.
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First year students: have completed little to no college credits (high school graduates)
Transfer students: have completed college credits (sixth form graduates)
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This is where you will choose which universities/colleges you would like to receive your application. You can apply to up to 20 colleges. You can also use THEP’s university research list template here to keep a track of your selections.
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Extracurricular Activities:
These are the on/off campus activities that you participate in outside of classes. According to Common App, “activities may include arts, athletics, clubs, employment, personal commitments, and other pursuits.” You will also have space to elaborate the details of your involvement such as your role, organization/club, and other important details.
Transcript(s):
Depending on what schools you apply to, they will either ask for an official or unofficial transcript.
If your program asks for an official transcript, you will need to formally request one from your current institution. This will be either e-mailed or mailed to the universities you apply to directly from your institution. Be sure to check with your registrar or other relevant office to ask about their process. If necessary, you can download the Transcript Request form the Colleges Attended section in the Common App. If mailed, be sure to include your Common App ID # in the mailing address!
If your program asks for an unofficial transcript, you can upload your transcript electronically. This option will either be available to you in the Academic History or Program Materials section. You will still need to request this from your institution, but it can be directly submitted by you onto your Common App platform.
Letter of Recommendation(s):
This section is where you will invite your recommenders to upload their letters to your application portal. You will have to add their email so make sure to communicate with those you have in mind to refer you before you invite them (also give them notice in advance so that they have enough time to compose a great letter!) Common app suggests four recommender types: personal, professional, academic, and high school official. This could be a teacher, employer, coach, or anyone you feel can objectively attest to your skills and qualifications.
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Based on your school of choice, this could include extra essays, SAT scores, or any other additional documents. Here is the 2021-2022 requirements grid that details the specific requirements of each school in the Common App database:
*(mainly applicable for first-year students)
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Make sure you have fulfilled all the requirements for each section before submitting!
The Common App Essay
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The format is 250-650 words. You select one essay prompt to submit.
Common App Personal Essay prompts are subject to change every year, but generally follow the same format. Take a look at some tips below on how to create a great essay!
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1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Source: Common App website, First-year essay prompts
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Some universities may require an extra essay or personal question. Examples of supplemental essay prompts:
• Why do you want to attend this school?
• What is an extracurricular activity that is meaningful to you?
• Describe a person you admire.
• Tell us about a book you love.
Source: The Princeton Review, Popular College Application Essay Topics
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Try to be as specific as possible especially when talking about what interests you about the school or what activities you are involved in. Use your background and experiences growing up in Belize in some way to differentiate your essay. Additional tips include:
• Avoid generalities or clichés.
• Be honest! Don’t try to give the answer you think admissions officers are looking for, they want to know your authentic self.
• Tell a story. No matter what your topic is, you want to keep your reader interested with a compelling essay.
• Be cohesive and concise. Your essay should flow well from beginning to end with every sentence serving a purpose to your story.
• Remember to proofread. Try reading it aloud to yourself or someone else to see how you can improve.
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How to Write a College Essay
Introduction
Your introduction should give a clear idea of the topic of your essay. Keep it brief yet interesting so that you are able to intrigue your reader while still leaving the core of your story to the body of your essay.
Body
The body of your essay will connect the important moments you want to express to your topic. In order to do that cohesively, you want to establish a structure that influences the way the topic relates to the essay prompt. Most college essays will use either a narrative or thematic structure.
Conclusion
The conclusion revisits the main topics and delivers the purpose of the essay, depending on what structure you choose to use in your writing.