Breaking Down the Common App: What Students Need to Know

For many high school seniors, the Common App is the central hub of the college application process. It allows students to apply to multiple colleges through one platform, but it can feel overwhelming at first glance. Understanding the main sections of the application can make the process much more manageable.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the Common App and what each section is for:

1. Profile This section gathers basic personal information: name, address, contact details, citizenship, and demographics. It’s straightforward, but important to double-check for accuracy.

2. Family Students provide information about their parents or guardians, including education levels and occupations. This helps colleges understand your background but doesn’t influence admissions decisions directly.

3. Education This section asks for details about your high school(s), your counselor’s contact information, coursework, and class rank (if applicable). You’ll also list any college courses you’ve taken for credit.

4. Testing Here, you can self-report standardized test scores like the SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or TOEFL. Many colleges are now test-optional, so students can choose whether or not to include this.

5. Activities Students can list up to 10 extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, jobs, volunteering, or family responsibilities. Focus on depth over quantity—use this space to highlight leadership, impact, and commitment.

6. Writing This includes the personal statement, which goes to all colleges using the Common App. Students choose one of seven prompts to write a 650-word essay that tells a story and reflects their values, perspective, or growth.

7. Courses & Grades (only for some schools) Some colleges require students to enter their full high school transcript manually here. Check each college’s requirements to see if this section applies to you.

8. College-Specific Questions Each college can include its own questions, including supplemental essays, program choices, or major preferences. These are tailored to the school and may carry significant weight in the admissions process.

9. Recommenders and FERPA Students invite teachers, counselors, or others to submit letters of recommendation through the Common App. You’ll also complete the FERPA release—a legal form that allows colleges to read your letters.

The Common App isn’t difficult—it’s just detailed. Starting early, staying organized, and working section by section can make the process much smoother. And don’t forget: help is available from school counselors, teachers, or online guides. For 1:1 help with the Common App personal statement and supplemental essays, check out Resume All Day’s essay coaching offerings.

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