What's Coming Up For High School Juniors: A New and Improved Common Application

What’s Coming Up For High School Juniors:  A New and Improved Common Application!

This week, the Common App invited counselors to preview the new and improved Common Application, a tool that will be used by an estimated 670,000 students worldwide to apply to colleges. Students have access to 488 member colleges and universities through this on-line application system.

So, what does the $8 million improvement mean for students?  An easier approach to the application process!

The content is a bit different as well, so here is what students need to know:

• The “core” part of the common application will have only one required essay. Five new prompts will urge students to write a personal essay of no more than 650 words.  The core application no longer asks for an activity essay
• The application will no longer be “locked,” so students can edit the application when information needs to be added or corrected and submitted to another college
• No more athletic supplements; instead, all pertinent info will be collected on the application and available to coaches if admissions wants to share
• College supplements will be issued on August 1
• An accessible help function
• On-line support on every page
• “Smart” questions which are relevant to individual applicants
• Continuous progress and status checks as you work

  What should juniors do with this information?

• First, don’t rush out and register for the Common App.  The new CA4 will be available for all students on August 1, and registering before then will only result in your information being expunged by CommonApp.org. 
• “Like” Common App on Facebook so that you get notices of updates.