Common App 101
Class of 2025
Senior Academy
WHAT IS THE COMMON APP?
Some schools within NC that accept Common App include:
Appalachian State University
Catawba College
Davidson College
Duke University
East Carolina University
Elon University
North Carolina A&T
NC State University
Queens University
UNC Asheville
UNC Chapel Hill
UNC Charlotte
UNC Greensboro
UNC Wilmington
Wake Forest University …and many more!
Other notable schools that accept Common App include:
University of South Carolina
Clemson University (SC)
University of Alabama
Auburn University (AL)
University of Tennessee
University of Georgia
Coastal Carolina University (SC)
Winthrop University (SC)
Vanderbilt University (TN)
University of Michigan
University of Florida
Florida State University
West Virginia University
The University of Mississippi
Georgia Tech …and many more!
Application Fee Waivers
You may be eligible for a Common App fee waiver if you received a SAT or ACT fee waiver, are eligible or participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP), live in federally-subsidized public housing or foster home or enrolled in TRIO or Upward Bound. More conditions apply.
Q: How do I get a Common App fee waiver?
A: You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. After you complete that section, we will ask your counselor to complete a fee waiver form to affirm your request for a fee waiver. The Common App fee waiver will apply to all your college applications.
RESEARCHING SCHOOLS
Use the “Find a College” feature
Do this after your primary college searching to help you narrow down your list.
Once you have an account, there is also a College Search tab.
Links for external sites for each school (school website, College Navigator, virtual tours, etc.) and the school’s official social media accounts.
Updated dates & admission requirements for each school premiere on AUGUST 1st ; read info carefully.
If a school you are interested in does not appear here, they do not currently accept Common App.
CREATE ACCOUNT & SET UP PROFILE
Common App Tab
Profile
Family
Education
Testing
Activities
Writing
Courses & Grades
*Info in the Common App Tab will carry over year to year.
Common App Tab
Sections:
Profile
Family
Education
Testing
Activities
Writing
Courses & Grades
Common App account
Check out features like “Application Requirements” grid downloadable on “Dashboard” after you have added to “My Colleges”
Use all the little helpful hints! The icon gives further information about abbreviations, definitions, etc.
Watch the YouTube channel tutorials! They are short and they have them for each section.
*Info in the Common App Tab will carry over year to year.
MY COLLEGES TAB
Colleges Tab
https://www.commonapp.org/
*Info in the My Colleges Tab will NOT carry over year to year. Enter this after August 1
Common App YouTube channel “Common App walkthrough” tutorial (2022-23)
ACTIVITIES SECTION
Approaching the Activities Section
https://www.commonapp.org/static/e8e63f283bee9d4d1f2573db09d03a72/FYActivitiesCAReady.pdf
Helpful Tips
maximum of 10 Activities – choose wisely! (quality over quantity)
consider activities with continuity
choose activities that you plan to continue in college
include leadership experience (not just President of Student Body…)
only 150 characters to describe each Activity so it is OK to use abbreviations and sentence fragments here (but; capitalization & Grammar must bee perfect)
use action verbs and data points (much like writing a resume)
put your strongest activity first (think of it as an introduction)
WRITING SECTION
Writing Tips
This is the culmination of your application, so give it the time it deserves. Think about it.
Plan. Write drafts. Re-read. Edit. Repeat.
Use the Personal Essay (PE) to really show who YOU are. 250-650 words.
Be descriptive and clear. Show your personality.
Show how the pieces of your application fit together.
Choose a prompt that you understand and one that will point to your strengths.
Choose a prompt that will lead to self-reflection.
In your writing, be forthright about what you are good at but don’t be arrogant.
Avoid clichés and overused phrases. Be authentic.
Additional Info & “Community Disruption”
These prompts are optional.
Separate from other essays, the “Additional Information” section (65 word limit) is your chance to addres GPA “hiccup,” further context, seve health condition, etc.
Look for a FAQ for clarification on website.
Writing about the COVID-19 pandemic
The Common App COVID-19 question will appear on this year’s version of the Common App under the additional information section. Because colleges know that high schoolers this year have had a very atypical junior spring, they want to learn more about your individual case. The prompt:
Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and longlasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.
Do you wish to share anything on this topic? Y/N
Please use this space to describe how these events have impacted you.
How to address the COVID question
“Keep in mind that this was a global crisis. Testing cancelations occurred for everyone, students across the world coped with online learning, and more. However, If you experienced bigger problems as a result of the pandemic, provide context for your circumstances, whether it’s unemployment or lack of learning resources at home. You might have fallen ill yourself — or had to take on added responsibilities in your family because your parents were sick. Colleges want to know this kind of information so that they can understand the factors affecting your performance and opportunities this past semester.”
“HowtoUsetheCommonAppCOVID-19Question”;InGenuisPrepblog(6/1/2020)
How NOT to address the COVID question
“No matter what, you should make sure that you’re sensitive to others. Of course, everyone has been affected in some way or the other. If your circumstance was less serious, don’t use this space. Colleges will not be expecting every student to use this new component – only utilize it when relevant. Be wary of showing privilege when discussing COVID-19. Certainly do not use this response to talk about how you couldn’t go to your favorite restaurant or spend your summer vacation at the beach!”
“HowtoUsetheCommonAppCOVID-19Question”;InGenuisPrepblog(6/1/2020)
Writing resources?
Important Reminder!
Common App will close at 5pm on July 27th and re-open on August 1st for its annual refresh. The 2025 Common App will open on August 1st with all updated data and admissions questions.
All of your information from the Common App tab will rollover. The written sections of the My Colleges tab will not.
REMINDERS
Upcoming
Senior Academies
7/11: College Admissions Process FAQs
7/18: Essay Writing 201
Conference Notes 3 August 1st begins a new round of meetings with your Crosby Advisor. Reach out to him/her to schedule soon.
Community Service
Now is a great time to complete your service hours. (The Fall will get busy!)