As your student prepares to apply to college, one of the most important steps is completing the Common Application (Common App)— a centralized platform used by over 1,000 colleges and universities for admissions. While this is a student-led task, your support and understanding can make the process smoother and less stressful.
🖥️ Join us for our webinar Roadmap To College on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00pm EDT to learn more about:
- Building A College List
- Creating Your Activities List or Resume
- Writing Your Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays
- Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
- Submitting Test Scores or Not
Register here.
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Here’s what you need to know to guide your senior through the Common App with confidence:
❓ What is the Common App?
The Common App is an online application system allowing students to apply to multiple colleges with one core application. Each college may also request its own supplementary materials (essays, questions, etc.).
📋 Key Sections of the Common App
- Profile & Family Information
- Basic details like name, address, and citizenship.
- Parent educational background and occupation.
- Education
- High school info, GPA, class rank (if available), and senior year courses.
- Testing (Optional)
- SAT/ACT scores if submitting (depends on test-optional status of each school, so check that out at individual schools' websites). If you are looking for PSAT, SAT, or ACT prep options, check out all of our Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Virtual options here.
- Activities
- Up to 10 extracurriculars — prioritize leadership, impact, and time commitment. Be intentional about what you list and do not list.
- Personal Essay
- One 650-word essay shared with all colleges on the student’s list.
- College-Specific Supplements
- Each school may request short-answer questions or additional essays.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion on What to Check Before Submitting That College Application
📅 Timeline Tips for Parents
- Summer before senior year: Encourage your student to start a Common App account and brainstorm the main essay.
- August–September: Finalize college list, begin supplements, request letters of recommendation.
- October–November: Review completed applications together, focusing on Early Action or Early Decision deadlines.
- December–January: Submit Regular Decision applications. Confirm FAFSA and other financial aid forms are submitted.
👨👩👧👦 How You Can Help
- Support brainstorming: Help your student reflect on meaningful experiences for their essay.
- Stay organized: Use a calendar or spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements for each college.
- Review — don’t rewrite: Proofread for clarity and grammar, but let your student’s voice shine through.
- Coordinate recommendations: Ensure teachers and counselors have what they need and submit letters on time.
- Discuss finances: Review tuition costs and use each college’s Net Price Calculator to estimate aid.
🎙️ Listen to this expert discussion on The Role of Parents in the College Process
🛠️ Pro Tips
- FERPA Waiver: Your student must waive (or not waive) their rights to see recommendation letters — it’s part of the application.
- Get Started: Before August 1st, you can start a Common App account and begin filling out your personal information, grades, activities, and essay(s). You can also work on your personal statement essay. However, college-specific information and responses will not roll over from year to year, so you'll need to re-enter that information when the new application cycle opens.
- One size doesn't fit all: Even with the Common App, every college has its own requirements — double-check!
- Submit early: Avoid tech issues and stress by submitting applications days before the deadline.
🎯 Final Thought
Completing the Common App is a major milestone on the road to college. Your encouragement and gentle reminders can make all the difference in helping your senior stay motivated and on track. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of college advisors here.
🎙️Listen to this expert discussion on The Different Roles of School and Private College Counselors
Let’s help them cross that finish line — and look ahead to a bright future!