1. The Common Application
Mrs. Caroline H. Rubio
Head Counselor
D- G and Biomedical Science Academy

2. Common Application Basics
More than 700 post-secondary schools use the Common Application
The CA allows for a comprehensive review of the student
Convenient way to apply to multiple schools from one venue
You can track when you submitted your application, when you invited your counselor and other recommenders, when they submitted their recommendations, when the college/university downloaded your application and associated CA materials
Use this venue over single school applications. Sometimes some schools try to lure applicants with their own applications (“no essay”), but you won’t be able to track materials that way.
Excellent way to track your submission and those of your counselor/recommender(s)

3. What you need to get started
Professional address - check it often!
Password (1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 special character) – write it down!
Social Security number
Copy of your transcript – use the cumulative GPA (first one)
Copy of your schedule
All test scores, both past and planned through December for SAT/ACT and list projected AP test dates under AP section, if applicable
Information about your parents/guardians

4. Additional information needed
List of activities and honors in high school (including work experience). List any positions of responsibility (Captain, President, etc.)
List of Common Application schools where you are applying
Possible: resume or other writing you wish to submit or other portfolio information (additional supplements, usually arts-related)
Accurate addresses of your recommenders and their titles

5. Important Aspects to the Common Application
The most important aspect is to accurately represent yourself to the schools where you are applying
They are trying to “create a class” of diverse, interesting people
Be authentic in what you write in the writing sections, allowing them to get to know you
Pick a prompt that is “easy” for you to address – one that attracts you. Ones that you may find “harder” are not weighted any differently.
Do not attempt a new style of writing
Resist having lots of people edit on a Google doc – have them make general suggestions so that your writing is yours and is consistent
Report ALL AP scores, any outside credits earned (approved by counselor) - if it’s on a transcript, even if you don’t think it’s favorable, failure to disclose information = academic dishonesty = revocation of any admissions offer

6. Letters of Recommendation and the School Reports
Counselors fill out the Secondary School Report and Mid-Year Report. You will send your final transcript with parchment.com. We upload your transcript on the Secondary School Report. We also do a written evaluation and fill out a check sheet about personal characteristics about you
Teachers have a different set of questions. Make sure that all recommenders have a packet from you before listing them on the Common Application.
Your number of recommenders will vary, depending on where you apply
You have to “assign” your recommenders to each school. Recommenders will not write a specific recommendation for each school - it goes to all of the schools that you designate.
You’ll need to give a packet to each person recommending you, at least two weeks in advance. Each recommendation is written specifically about you and is not “canned”. Recommenders do not do letters over breaks – so be mindful of your deadlines!!!

7. Other considerations
FERPA - agree to waive your rights - otherwise colleges will potentially have some concerns about why you have reservations
Change of schedule in senior from what was originally reported
Change of performance in senior year
D/F grades in senior year – including in “elective” courses
You are responsible to contact ACT and/or SAT to send your scores. They are not on your transcript and are property of ACT or College Board. Remember, on Common Application they “superscore”, so you’ll be reporting the highest subscores off of different sittings of the SAT/ACT.
You can report future test dates, even if you apply earlier than those dates.
UC noticed that applicants are trying to modify their CA essay for the Personal Insight Questions. Do not do this!
Do not represent you have a hardship unless you have a true valid situation.
Counselors upload your transcripts for CA schools or SendEdu schools only. You will need to arrange for your transcripts to be sent to other schools via parchment.com, an online provider. Check to see when they want them. For instance, CSU and UC do not want transcripts when you apply. Other schools very likely will want them at the time of application.
Instances of academic dishonesty or suspendable behavior/felonies must be reported to schools - maintain your integrity and excellent behavior

8. Early Action vs. Early Decision
Early Action can be a great way to get an answer quickly about if you’re accepted and it is non-binding, meaning that you are not required to attend that school. You also have the advantage of first consideration for academic performance scholarships. For CA schools, it DOES matter if you apply on the earlier side, even if not doing Early Action.
Early Decision is BINDING. If you are accepted, you will withdraw all of your other applications. This can be a challenge if you are not aware of your financial aid opportunities at the time of admission.

9. Deadlines!!!!
Deadlines are incredibly important this year! Failure to meet them can result in an offer of admission being revoked. Check your portals often (at least once per week) and send in requested documents immediately.