Submitting your Common App application successfully is a crucial step in the college application process. After spending hours crafting your essay, filling out personal information, and finalizing your recommendations, it’s time to hit submit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you submit your Common App application correctly:
1. Create and Complete Your Common App Account
- Sign up: Start by creating a Common App account on their official website. You’ll need an email address and a password.
- Personal Information: Fill in all your personal details accurately, including your name, date of birth, contact information, and family background.
2. Choose Your Colleges
- Research colleges: Use the Common App to search for colleges and universities you’re interested in.
- Add schools: Once you’ve decided which schools you want to apply to, add them to your My Colleges list on the Common App dashboard.
- Check requirements: Each college might have different requirements, so make sure you review any additional questions, essays, or materials that each school needs.
3. Fill Out the Application Sections
The Common App has multiple sections that you need to complete:
- Profile: Includes personal details, citizenship status, and address.
- Family: Details about your parents, guardians, and siblings.
- Education: Your academic history, including schools attended and grades.
- Testing: If applicable, include standardized test scores (like SAT/ACT).
- Activities: List extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteer work.
- Writing: Submit your Common App Essay and any additional essays required by your colleges.
- Recommenders: Invite teachers, counselors, or others who can provide recommendation letters.
4. Review Your Application
- Double-check everything: Before submitting, make sure you review every section of the application for completeness and accuracy.
- Check your essay: Ensure your Common App essay is well-written, clear, and free of errors. You can also have someone review it for feedback.
- Verify testing information: If you’re submitting test scores, make sure they’re correctly entered.
5. Pay Application Fees
- Many colleges require an application fee, which you can pay directly through the Common App.
- Fee Waivers: If you’re eligible for a fee waiver, be sure to apply for it. The Common App offers fee waivers based on financial need.
6. Submit Your Application
Once everything is complete and double-checked, it’s time to submit:
- Review deadlines: Make sure you submit your application before the deadline. Some schools have early action or early decision deadlines that are earlier than regular admissions.
- Click submit: On the Common App dashboard, select the “Submit” button after reviewing everything for the final time.
- Confirmation: After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email from Common App confirming that your application has been received. Some schools may also send a separate confirmation email.
7. Track Your Application Status
After submission, you can track your application’s status in the My Colleges tab. Some schools allow you to see when your materials are received and if any items are missing.
- Follow up: If there are any missing materials or updates to your application, you’ll be notified, and you can follow up as necessary.
8. Keep Records
- Save a copy: After submission, save a copy of your Common App and all related documents (essays, forms, recommendation letters, etc.) for your records.
- Submit any supplementary materials: If your schools request additional materials (such as art portfolios, resumes, or extra essays), make sure to send them promptly.
Tips for a Smooth Submission Process
- Start early: Don’t leave your application to the last minute. Starting early gives you time to handle any issues that may arise.
- Check deadlines: Different schools have different deadlines, so make sure to note the due dates for each school on your list.
- Keep track of recommendations: Make sure your recommenders submit their letters on time. You can track their submission status in the My Colleges section.
Final Thoughts
The Common App is a great tool that simplifies the college application process, but submitting it successfully requires attention to detail and timely action. Ensure that all parts of your application are complete and accurate before hitting submit. And once you’ve submitted, take a moment to breathe, knowing you’ve completed a significant step toward your future.
For more information and additional resources on the Common App, visit CommonApps.