Find Your Spark! (6/24/24)

Common Application Advice

1. Start Early:
   • Give yourself plenty of time to complete each section thoughtfully.
   • Avoid last-minute submissions to reduce errors and stress.
2. Stay Organized:
   • Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and specific requirements for each college.
   • Use checklists to ensure all parts of the application are completed.

Personal Information Section

1. Accuracy is Key:
   • Double-check all personal information for accuracy.
   • Ensure consistency with your official documents.

Activities Section

1. Prioritize and Summarize:
   • List your most important activities first.
   • Use the limited characters wisely to summarize your role, contributions, and achievements.
2. Show Impact:
   • Highlight leadership roles and significant contributions.
   • Focus on depth of involvement rather than breadth.

Essay Section

1. Choose the Right Prompt:
   • Select a prompt that allows you to showcase your personality and experiences.
   • Ensure the topic is something you are passionate about and can write about authentically.
2. Be Authentic and Personal:
   • Write in your own voice; let your personality shine through.
   • Share personal stories and reflections to give insight into who you are beyond grades and test scores.
3. Show, Don’t Tell:
   • Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
   • Avoid clichés and generic statements.
4. Revise and Edit:
   • Write multiple drafts and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or family.
   • Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Additional Information Section

1. Use Sparingly:
   • Only include necessary information that doesn’t fit elsewhere in the application.
   • Explain any discrepancies or unique circumstances clearly and concisely.

Letters of Recommendation

1. Choose Wisely:
   • Select recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
   • Provide them with sufficient time and any necessary information to write a strong letter.

Supplemental Essays and Questions

1. Be School-Specific:
   • Tailor each response to the specific college.
   • Research each school’s programs, values, and culture to show why you’re a good fit.
2. Be Concise and Focused:
   • Answer the prompt directly and stay within word limits.
   • Highlight unique aspects of your background and aspirations.

Final Review

1. Comprehensive Check:
   • Review each section of the application for completeness and accuracy.
   • Ensure all attachments (essays, resumes, portfolios) are properly formatted and uploaded.
2. Seek Feedback:
   • Have a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor review your application.
   • Make necessary revisions based on their feedback.

Source:

College Board – Crafting a Standout College Application

Upcoming Scholarships

Scholarships	About	Deadlines	Link
National Merit Scholarship Program	For high school juniors based on PSAT/NMSQT scores.	October 2024 (for high school juniors)	nationalmerit.org
Coco-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship	Open to high school seniors with leadership potential.	October 31, 2024 (for high school seniors)	coca-colascholarsfoundation.org
Jack Kent Cook Foundation College Scholarship Program	For high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.	November 2024 (for high school seniors)	jkcf.org
Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs	Scholarships for students who have faced and overcome adversity.	October 25, 2024 (for high school seniors)	horatioalger.org
Gates Scholarship	For outstanding minority students with financial need.	September 15, 2024 (for high school seniors)	thegatesscholarship.org
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition	Scholarships for high school seniors based on leadership, academics, and financial need.	November 15, 2024 (for high school seniors)	elks.org
Scholarship America Dream Award	For students who have overcome significant obstacles.	October 15, 2024 (for current college students)	scholarshipamerica.org
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund	For students involved in social and economic justice movements.	April 1, 2025 (for current college students)	davisputter.org
Ron Brown Scholar Program	Scholarships for African American high school seniors.	January 9, 2025 (for high school seniors)	ronbrown.org
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards	Scholarships for students involved in community service.	November 2024 (for middle and high school students)	spirit.prudential.com

Application Deadlines

Schools	Deadlines
Harvard University	– Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 1, 2025
Stanford University	– Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 2, 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Action: January 1, 2025
UC Berkeley	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: November 30, 2024
UCLA	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: November 30, 2024
Yale University	– Single-Choice Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 2, 2025
University of Southern California	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: December 1, 2024
Princeton University	– Single-Choice Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 1, 2025
California Institute of Technology	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 3, 2025
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: February 1, 2025
University of Pennsylvania	– Early Decision: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 5, 2025
Columbia University	– Early Decision: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 1, 2025
New York University (NYU)	– Early Decision I: November 1, 2024 – Early Decision II: January 1, 2025 – Regular Decision: January 5, 2025
Cornell University	– Early Decision: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 2, 2025
University of Chicago	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 4, 2025
University of Texis at Austin	– Priority Deadline: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: December 1, 2024
Duke University	– Early Decision: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 4, 2025
Northwestern University	– Early Decision: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 2, 2025
University of Florida	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: November 1, 2024 (final deadline)
University of Washington	– Early Action: November 15, 2024 – Regular Decision: December 1, 2024 (final deadline)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	– Early Action: October 15, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 15, 2025
Boston University	– Early Decision I: November 1, 2024 – Early Decision II: January 2, 2025 – Regular Decision: January 2, 2025
University of Virginia	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 1, 2025
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)	– Early Action: October 15, 2024 – Regular Decision: January 1, 2025
University of San Diego (UCSD)	– Early Action: November 1, 2024 – Regular Decision: November 30, 2024

The exact dates and requirements for each university can be found on their official admissions page closer to the time when applications are due. Please note that these deadlines are subject to change.

TeenMedSpark Tips

What is the Common Application?

• The Common Application (Common App) is an undergraduate college admission application that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one standardized form. It simplifies the application process by consolidating personal information, academic records, extracurricular activities, and essays into one platform, accepted by over 900 member institutions worldwide. This efficiency saves time and effort, making it easier for students to manage multiple applications.