Common App Ready
A complete toolkit of tips and best practices designed to help your students complete their applications successfully and on time.
Getting started | Preparing your application |
Getting started
Get to know the Common App and how the application works.
Use these resources to help your students get acquainted with what the Common App is and how it works. They'll learn about unfamiliar terms, what international students need to know, and more.
After viewing this document, you will be able to help students:
- Select the correct registration type for their Common App
- Understand the Common App layout
- Search for colleges and add them to the My Colleges list
Resources coming soon:
- Common App for International Applicants
- How the Application Works
Resources
WHAT IS COMMON APP?
Last revised 10/01/21
HOW THE FIRST YEAR COMMON APP WORKS
Last revised 01/05/21
APPLICATION DICTIONARY
Last revised 01/27/22
COMMON APP FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Last revised 10/01/21
Preparing your application
Resources on getting organized and starting your application on the right track.
There is a lot of information your students are asked to understand and complete in the Common App. This set of resources will help your students get organized and start the application process.
These resources will help students:
- Understand what materials to gather in order to complete their application
- Know how to check the specific application requirements for each college or university
- Learn how to report standardized test scores in the application
- Understand FERPA and how it impacts the application process
Resources
GATHER MATERIALS
Last revised 01/05/21
MY COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS WORKSHEET
Last revised 01/05/21
HIGH SCHOOL DETAILS INFORMATION SHEET
Last revised 08/16/21
FERPA & YOUR APPLICATION
Last revised 01/05/21
UNDERSTANDING THE TESTING SECTION IN COMMON APP
Last revised 07/30/21
Telling your story
Use the different features of the application to highlight what makes you unique.
Whether your student is working on their essays or sharing about their extracurricular interests, these resources are here to help.
This resource will help students:
- Understand the Activities section and how it helps students tell colleges and universities more about who they are
- Get tips for completing the college essays
- Learn how to organize and brainstorm essay ideas and best practices for reducing stress ahead of application deadlines
Resources
APPROACHING THE ACTIVITIES SECTION
Last revised 01/05/21
HOW TO APPROACH THE ESSAY
Last revised 07/30/21
Working with recommenders and advisors
Learn how to find and communicate with your support network.
Students don't go through the application process alone. There are counselors, teachers, and advisors that provide guidance and support along the way. These resources teach students about the support network they have and how to interact with their recommenders.
This resource will help students:
- Understand the recommendation process
- Learn how to find the strongest advocates and understand how they can provide support for their applications
- Find out how to invite and assign teachers and recommenders within the Common App
- Get tips and best practices for managing the recommendation process
Resources
UNDERSTANDING THE RECOMMENDATION PROCESS
Last revised 01/05/21
CONNECTING WITH STRIVE FOR COLLEGE MENTORS
Last revised 01/05/21
FAMILY BRAG SHEET
Last revised 01/05/21
COUNSELOR BRAG SHEET
Last revised 11/08/21
TEACHER BRAG SHEET
Last revised 01/05/21
Paying for college
Learn about application fees, fee waivers, and how to find scholarships.
The cost of college can be daunting. These resources will help teach students about fee waivers and the different scholarship options they have.
This resource will:
- Help students understand how to apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Understand the difference between different types of financial assistance
- Learn about application fees and fee waivers
- Provide tips for finding scholarship opportunities
Resources
UNDERSTANDING APPLICATION FEES & FEE WAIVERS
Last revised 10/01/21
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS WITH SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
Last revised 08/30/21
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID OFFER
Last revised 01/05/21
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