Attending, college applicants! The 2017-18 Common Application is now available. The Mutual App allows you to submit applications to multiple colleges and universities by completing 1 online course. More than 700 colleges accept the Common App.

Larn nigh the benefits of the Common App and get our good tips on how to manage your fourth dimension through the college admission cycle.

Student ready for Common App

Top 3 Benefits of the Common App

  1. Save time. Instead of filling out the same information a dozen times, you only have to do it once.
  2. Reduce senior yr stress. Through the Common App dashboard you can track what documents and letters of recommendation y'all have submitted and what is still outstanding for each schoolhouse.
  3. Write but one essay (plus whatever supplements). You'll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools. Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions. Check out the 2018-2019 Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing!

How to Start Your Mutual Application

Before you lot can submit your application, you'll need to gather your materials. (Read up on all the pieces of your college application). Here are are your early autumn priorities:

one. Create a Common App login.

You can create an account now and kickoff working on your applications after.

2. Make a list of your target Mutual App schools.

Browse our higher profiles, and think about what you want in your prospective higher. Our Admissions Experts can help you put together your list!

iii. Register (and prep for!) the Saturday and/or Human action.

Plan to take the tests and so that colleges volition receive your scores by the deadline. If yous're thinking of applying early determination and you lot're not happy with your previous scores, you should take the September Human action or the Oct Saturday.

iv. Inquiry the application requirements for every schoolhouse on your listing.

Even if all the colleges you are applying to accept the Common App, their requirements may not be the same! Does your dream school require certain SAT Subject Tests? Gather this information early on so y'all tin plan your senior year testing schedule.

5. Compose a list of your extracurricular activities.

Don't forget to include things you do exterior of school like your weekend job or playing on a regional soccer team.

6. Ask for recommendations.

Ask your teachers for letters of recommendation early, and make sure they have all the information they need (like a resume of your accomplishments ) to come across the deadline.

7. Write your Common Application essays

You'll choose from one of seven  college essay prompts. Proceed in heed that many colleges may also inquire you to consummate supplemental essay questions that are tailored to their schools.

8. Commencement collecting parent or legal guardian data.

The Common App will ask you to list their information near their educational background and employer, so if y'all don't have this info, kickoff request!

Don't forget to proceed upward your grades! Read our expert tips for managing homework AND your college applications.

The Common App: Dates & Deadlines

  • Common App goes live : Baronial ane
  • Early on Decision Deadline: Typically Nov ane
  • Regular Decision Deadline: Typically January ane

Application eadlines vary by school, so be sure to triple-check the dates for each school where you lot plan to submit an awarding. Here'southward a sample list of application deadlines for several colleges.

Exceptions to Note

  • College-Specific Requirements:Not all Common App schools have the same writing, testing, essay, and letter of rec requirements. For instance, if you lot're applying early on action to Stanford, yous should know that Oct is the last acceptable Saturday test Appointment and September is the last adequate ACT examination date. Make certain you've done your research!

  • Financial Aid:The fiscal help process is separate from submitting your Common App (and with different deadlines!). Learn everything you need to know nearly fiscal aid.


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