Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Common Application Planning to Apply for college Admissions Nicole Murphy, Director of College Success February 2013

PRE-ASSESSMENT Please take 5 minutes to complete the pre-assessment questions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn what the Common App is and the benefits of using this application Learn which schools use the common app Learn how to access the application and what are the required components Complete the first FIVE pages of this year’s Common App. Examine a Common App timeline to understand the importance in planning ahead and the ongoing required attention

WHAT IS THE COMMON APPLICATION “COMMON APP?”

THE COMMON APPLICATION “COMMON APP” COMMON APP IS AN COLLEGE APPLICATION SERVICE Provides both online & print versions of it’s First-year and Transfer college applications Students may apply to 488 institutions (US & international schools) Types of schools affiliated with the Common App: Public and private Large and small Highly selective and modestly selective Participating U.S. & international schools

BENEFITS OF USING THE COMMON APP SAVES TIME - Apply to multiple colleges and universities through one uniform application APPLY TO SCHOOLS THAT USE A HOLISTIC SELECTION PROCESS Evaluate students using more than grades & test scores for admissions: Objective criteria – Can be measured quantitatively (in numbers) Subjective criteria – Cannot be measured in numbers At least 1 recommendation , Essays, and Broader campus diversity considerations: interests, demographics, etc. EASILY SUBMIT & TRACK YOUR APPLICATION THROUGH THE COMMON APP WEBSITE

WHAT SCHOOLS USE THE COMMON APP?

3 WAYS TO FIND SCHOOLS USING THE COMMON APP? School’s undergraduate admissions Webpage Click the “Member Colleges & Universities” link on the Common App Website Naviance displays the following icon designating a college/university uses the Common App. Icons are located on: School’s “General Info” tab Student’s college lists: “colleges I’m thinking about” “colleges I’m apply to”

WHERE CAN I FIND THE COMMON APP?

HOW TO ACCESS THE COMMON APP Go to the Common App Website: www.CommonApp.com Create a First-Year account:*Alliance students must apply via online for tracking purposes (Links with Naviance) Select a professional username & password you will remember Use an email address you check often (Make sure your email is professional)

WHAT ARE THE COMMON APP FIRST-YEAR APPLICATION PACKET COMPONENTS REQUIRED OPTIONAL General Application Art Supplements *Include student work regarding music, theater, dance, film or visual arts Teacher Evaluation Athletic Supplements *If you anticipate playing college sports School Report *Completed by Counselor ED Agreement *Early Decision commitment to a 1st choice school if admitted Midyear Report*Completed by Counselor Optional Grade Report *Used to update grades if changes occur Final Report *Completed by Counselor College-specific Supplements*Additional essays opportunities/requirements

LET’S BEGIN COMPLETING THE COMMON APP

GENERAL APPLICATION COMPONENTS (REVIEW & COMPLETE – PGS. 1-5) Page 1 – Applicant Information Page 2 – Family Information Page 3 – Education Information & Academics Page 4 – Honors Section, Extracurricular activities and work experience Page 5 – Writing Section & Signature Piece

GENERAL APPLICATION COMPLETION Using the 5 page paper Common Application provided, begin completing the application (pages 1-5) Raise your hand if you have any questions NOTE: Much of the general information required on the Common App is the same information required by all colleges and universities

PLANNING 7 COMMON APP TO-DOs

COMMON APP/COLLEGE APPLICATION TIMELINE SELF EXPLORATION - Identify what you need and like in a college/university? (EXAMPLES: Admissions criteria, location, small class size, in a major city, nursing program, etc.) ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR COUNSELOR ABOUT HS SUCCESS, CAREER GOALS & COLLEGE OPTIONS -Counselors, teachers & administration will support students with completing tasks COLLEGE RESEARCH – Find your college matches & enter these school’s names into Naviance IDENTIFY EACH SCHOOL’S APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

BE PREPARED WITH A PLAN (CONTINUED) START WRITING APPLICATION ESSAYS – You should have a massaged draft(s) or final essay(s) by August of senior year. You will create multiple drafts of each essay, and want feedback from others before submitting with your applications LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION - Think about which teacher(s) & employers you will ask Ask in a professional manner (written letter with resume) & ask way in advance! MONITOR APPLICATIONS THROUGH TO GRADUATION – Students must monitor their email, Common App, & specific school’s Websites until they start college

COMMON APP PROCESS IS FIRST AUGUST 1st - The updated Common App online and paper applications are available AUGUST 1st GET OUT OF THE WAY FIRST – Being prepared to submit in August or September keeps Common App tasks from bleeding into CSU and UC application windows CONSIDER APPLY EARLY DECISION (ED) OR EARLY ADMISSIONS (EA) - Students with strong grades & admission test scores should consider applying to schools via ED or EA May increase admission chances Receive admissions decision earlier than regular deadline

POST-ASSESSMENT Please take 5 minutes to complete the post-assessment questions