The Common App officially opens today, August 1, which means students are now able to fill out their college applications in preparation for early decision and early action deadlines in the fall (typically on or around November 1). While the college application process can feel daunting, it’s smart to get ahead of it so when your senior year starts, you can focus on school and extracurriculars, knowing the bulk of your college application is ready to go!
Here are our 4 tips for getting started with your applications:
1. Identify what makes you unique. In our work with students, we do that by creating key messages, which are themes or statements about a student’s unique qualities and accomplishments, and how those will be an asset to their dream college. Use our free worksheet to identify your key messages today!
2. Just log in. Once the Common App opens, set a timer for 15 minutes and create an account. Fill out the easy details about yourself that don’t require much thinking. This simple action is easy to do but serves an important purpose – it means you’ve started your college application. It no longer has to be something you’re putting off or that’s weighing on your mind, and it will be easier to come back to it later to tackle the harder stuff.
3. Apply your key messages to essay prompts. You’ll need to respond to one of the Common App’s essay prompts. Think about which prompt allows you to showcase one or more of your key messages. Then, put the “pen to paper” and apply those key messages to the essay prompt, adding more details as needed. You don’t have to do it all in one sitting – again, you can set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and just get started.
4. Review school-specific requirements. Even if every school on your list uses the Common App, each school can still have specific requirements about essays, letters of recommendation, and test score submission. You can add schools to the “My Colleges” list within the Common App to check each school’s unique requirements. We recommend starting your own list of supplemental essays that you’ll need to write now, so that you’re not surprised by any essays at the last minute!
By getting a jump start on the Common App before your senior year starts, you’ll feel in control and more confident about the entire college application process. Need some help to get started or make sure your key messages are just right? MN College Essay Coach is here to help with 1:1 coaching. Send us an email at hello@mncollegeessaycoach.com to connect with a coach and learn more about our process! Happy writing. :)
Comments