Guide to Filling out the Common App

Common App Form Overview

The Common App form is divided into seven sections: Profile (personal information), Family, Education, Testing (exams), Activities, Writing, and Courses & Grades.

In this blog, we will also focus on two sections where students and parents often encounter challenges: the Education section and the Activities section.

Common App Education Section

The Education section consists of nine parts: Schools Attended, Other Secondary Schools, College Courses, Grades, Courses Taken, Honors and Awards, Community Organizations, and Future Plans. Below are some common questions about this section:

Can't Find Your School?

If you are unable to find your school, double-check the information you entered. Try searching by the first one or two letters of the school's name or using a different search field. Ensure you are using the school's full official name, not a nickname. If your school still doesn't appear, scroll to the bottom of the results list and select "I don't see my high school in this list." You will then need to enter the school information manually.

Filling in Courses from a Second School

Some students take Advanced Placement (AP) or other courses at a different school and may not find a section to enter this information. It's important to note that not all universities require you to list grades from a second school. If a university does not require this information, the option to enter it will not appear in your application. For instance, this year, Brown, Columbia, Harvard, and Yale do not require secondary school grades, so you won't see an entry field for this.

However, Stanford University does require this information. If the school a student is applying to requires the student to report high school grades, the interface will be displayed as follows.

In the Courses and Grades section, in the “Other Courses” column, students can fill in the courses and grades they have taken in other high schools/universities.

Students must complete the "Current or Most Recent School" section of the Education section before they can begin the "Courses and Grades" section.

Common App Activities Section

In the Activities section, many students are concerned about how to effectively list their activities. With only 10 slots available, it's important to showcase your achievements and uniqueness strategically. Here are some tips to help you navigate this section smoothly:

Avoid Repetition

The activity description has a 150-word limit, so avoid repeating words from the job description. For example, instead of writing "As student union president, I am responsible for...", you should directly state your achievements, such as "Implemented initiatives like providing free textbooks for low-income families, liaising with administration, and planning agendas."

Focus on Quantifiable Impact

When describing your activities, it's helpful to include quantifiable details to give admissions officers a clearer understanding of your impact. For example, instead of writing "organized a Thanksgiving fundraiser," you could write "provided 100 roast ducks to 50 families in San Jose, raising $2,000." These specifics help admissions officers better appreciate the significance of your contributions.

Successfully completing the Common App is a critical step in your college application journey. By approaching each section thoughtfully and ensuring that your achievements and experiences are presented with clarity and impact, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling application. Keep in mind that this process is not just about filling out forms—it's about telling your unique story. Take your time, seek guidance when needed, and trust in the value of your experiences as you move forward. The effort you invest now will set the stage for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

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