#commonappreadycommonapp.org © 2015 The Common Application

commonapp.org #commonappready THE WRITING SECTION © 2015 The Common Application

3 Presenter notes © 2015 The Common Application

A comprehensive training resource Ready-to-present slide decks Introduction to the Common Application Getting Started Searching and Adding Colleges Explanations of the following sections: Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Activities, Writing Payment and Submission What is Common App Ready? 4 © 2015 The Common Application

Schedule a workshop for your students, parents, colleagues, or anyone else who would benefit from learning about the Common Application Organize your workshop(s) around your needs by presenting the slides all at once or in multiple sessions Use the accompanying guide (also recorded in the footer notes of each slide) as your script Direct participants to our training videos for more information: appsupport.commonapp.org How to use Common App Ready 5 © 2015 The Common Application

Please begin your presentation with the next slide. Now YOU are Common App Ready 6 © 2015 The Common Application

commonapp.org#commonappready THE WRITING SECTION © 2015 The Common Application

8 Sign in to your account Pro-tip: Bookmark apply.commonapp.org © 2015 The Common Application

9 Navigate to the Common App tab © 2015 The Common Application

10 Navigate to Writing Section © 2015 The Common Application

11 Writing Section Click “I understand” to indicate you’ve read the text. Pro-tip: System shows which colleges on your list require the essay and which ones do not. © 2015 The Common Application

12 A little about the essay… Essay length: 250 – 650 words Pro-tip: You can compose your essay in a word processing program and paste it into your Common App. 650 words is your limit, not your goal Proofread © 2015 The Common Application

13 The essay prompts Some students have a background, identity, 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. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? © 2015 The Common Application

14 The essay prompts Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. © 2015 The Common Application

15 Essay text box Click on “Open Full Screen” to expand text box © 2015 The Common Application

16 Disciplinary history Pro-tip: If you are unsure how to answer this question, please speak with your parents or counselor. Required two question section © 2015 The Common Application

17 Disciplinary history question 1 © 2015 The Common Application

18 Disciplinary history question 2 © 2015 The Common Application

19 Additional Information Pro-tip: Use this space to share any extra information you feel colleges should know about you. © 2015 The Common Application

20 Applicant Solutions Center Help when you need it, where you need it FAQs Videos Chat 24/7 Every day of the year appsupport.commonapp.org © 2015 The Common Application

21 commonapp.org #commonappready © 2015 The Common Application