Find Your Spark! (7/12/24)

Advice on the Common Application

The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is a centralized college application platform used by over 900 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. It simplifies the college application process by allowing you to fill out a single application and submit it to multiple institutions. Here’s a breakdown of how it works, when to get started, and some tips for success:

How It Works

1. Create an Account: Start by creating an account on the Common App website (www.commonapp.org). You’ll need to provide some basic information, including your name, email address, and a password.
2. Add Colleges: Once your account is set up, you can add the colleges and universities you’re interested in applying to. Each school will have its own set of requirements, which you can view in the “My Colleges” section.
3. Complete the Application Sections:
   • Profile: Provide your personal information, including contact details, citizenship, and family information.
   • Family: Include information about your parents or guardians.
   • Education: Detail your high school education, including your school, courses, and grades.
   • Testing: Input your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.), if applicable.
   • Activities: List extracurricular activities, work experiences, and any other significant involvement.
   • Writing: Complete the Common App essay, which is a personal statement that allows you to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
4. Supplemental Essays and Questions: Many colleges will require additional essays or short answer questions specific to their institution. Make sure to check each school’s requirements and complete these sections thoughtfully.
5. Submit and Pay: Once all sections are completed, review your application carefully. When you’re ready, submit your application and pay any required fees. Some colleges may offer fee waivers for eligible students.

When to Get Started

• Account Creation: The Common App typically opens on August 1st each year. It’s a good idea to create your account and start exploring the application as early as possible.
• Application Deadlines: Pay close attention to the application deadlines for each college. Deadlines can vary, with some schools offering Early Decision or Early Action deadlines as early as November 1st, and Regular Decision deadlines typically around January 1st.

Tips for Success

1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to complete each section of the application. Starting early helps you avoid last-minute stress and allows for careful review of your work.
2. Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required materials, and application statuses for each college. Use a spreadsheet or a dedicated application management tool to stay organized.
3. Be Authentic: Your essay and responses should reflect your true self. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so be honest and genuine in your writing.
4. Seek Feedback: Have teachers, counselors, or trusted adults review your application materials. They can provide valuable feedback and catch any errors you might have missed.
5. Proofread: Double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and commitment.
6. Use Available Resources: The Common App website offers tutorials, FAQs, and other resources to help you navigate the application process. Don’t hesitate to use these tools if you have questions or need guidance.

Source: Common Application website.

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.