⏱Make Your College Common Application Count!
According to an expose of the 2024 admissions season published in New York Magazine, the average admissions officer devotes 15 minutes or less to their initial once-over for each application! With over 1000 colleges and universities accepting the College Common Application, it’s clearly critical to present the most polished and powerful first impression to all higher admissions officers. Outlined below is a checklist that helps ensure yours gets noticed in that critical first review window.
Excel Academy offers private and semi-private college counseling as well as assistance with the College Common Application prep tasks outlined below. Visit the website and schedule an appointment for college counseling with Excel Academy today!
🔎General format and accuracy for the College Common Application
- General format and accuracy for the Common Application
- Include all personal information (name, address, contact info) accurately
- Verify all school and academic history records are complete and accurate
- Verify all standardized test scores are accurate
- Include clear descriptions of all honors and awards, with context if necessary
- Ensure Activities List highlights impact, leadership and time commitment
📄Essays and Short Answers for the College Common Application
- Main Essay must be authentic, engaging and well-structured
- Essay must answer the prompt directly and thoughtfully
- Write in your voice (not a parent, teacher or AI tool)
- Proofread for grammar, spelling and clarity
- Tailor all Supplemental Essays to the individual school(s) and with no copy-paste errors
- Create a strong opening hook and memorable conclusion
♟️Strategy for the College Common Application
- Define a Major/Academic Interest consistent with your activities and essays
- Make “Why This School” essays show a through line to specific programs, values and opportunities
- Convey both academic strengths and personal character in your application
- Teacher recommendations must align with your personal story
👨💻Final Review Before Send of College Common Application
- All formatting must be clean and professional (no odd spacing or typos)
- Complete every required section fully (no unintentional blanks)
- PDF preview and check for accuracy before submission
- Request an interview (according to availability)
- Submit a Video (as applicable)
- Submit an Art supplement (as applicable)
- Track submission deadlines for each college
⏳What do I do after Submitting my College Common Application?
- Save a copy of each submission
- Track application portals for updates and missing items
- Write Thank-You notes to teachers or others that provided your recommendations
Andy Warhol is attributed with the now-famous notion “everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame”. Your Common Application may or may not make you famous, but it will prove to be a crucial part of whatever path you take in education and ultimately career. Following these guidelines creates the level of flawless presentation that enables your strengths to shine through the critical initial 15-minute review by admissions officers.
