3 tips every Parent needs to Know about the Common App

You have likely heard about the Common Application and have some questions about what it means for your college-bound teen. As a general overview, the Common Application officially started in the 70s. The system we know today, however, wasn’t really defined until about 2000. A significant turn for the Common Application then was that the organization determined that its focus would be on holistic college admissions. What that means for you today is that all the colleges that are members of the Common Application have a holistic selection process.

Common App
Common App opens August 1

Those colleges consider transcripts, test scores, teacher recommendations, essays, activities, and other supplemental materials which give the colleges a more complete perspective on how that student will contribute to the college community.

Here are 3 hot tips every parent will benefit from knowing:

  • Not all colleges are on the Common App – There are over 500 colleges on the Common App, compared to about 2500 4-year colleges. The colleges that are not Common App members can have any selection process that fits their college mission. On the other hand, some colleges may have a holistic selection process but may want to use their own systems for managing the volume of applications received.
  • When your teen signs the Common App, they are agreeing that . . .

a) the essays are their own writing,

b) all the information is true (i.e. all test scores and school suspensions must be reported, even if they happen in senior year), and

c) they will only send a deposit to one college when they make their decision.

It’s easy to forget these details when students are excited about their admissions letters, but keep in mind that all admissions decisions are conditional and can be revoked at any time.

  • You can get your own Common App account – I suggest that if parents are curious about what their teen is submitting on the Common App then they can get their own account. This will allow you to understand more about the requirements and stresses of meeting the application deadlines!

This is an exciting time with your college-bound teen. I hope that you will allow your teen to own the process, as you participate in the journey.

What additional questions or thoughts do you have about the Common App?

Check out our Parent 2 Parent audio clip on the Common App, which has a juicy aside!

How To Get The Best Teacher Recommendation

studying in the library

During sophomore and junior year of high school, I discuss the importance of teacher recommendations in the college application. Learning what teachers should write in their teacher recommendation letter is quite eye-opening for students. More importantly, learning this information long before it’s required means that students will have an opportunity to work on developing those important student-teacher relationships.

For example, in a recent Common Application, teachers are asked to respond to these student qualities:

  • Creative, original thought
  • Productive class discussion
  • Disciplined work habits
  • Reaction to setbacks
  • Concern for others

These are in addition to academic and other personal characteristics.
If you are reading this shortlist and can’t think of ONE sophomore or junior year teacher who would rank you highly with these qualities, then it’s time for you to start nurturing 2-3 teacher relationships. This is meant in a sincere way. If you’re genuinely interested in the topic being taught, that’s one way of determining whether to further build a relationship with the teacher.

Many of my students will apply to selective summer programs. When they apply to a summer program during sophomore or junior year, this gives them a great opportunity to request a recommendation. The teacher who writes a summer program recommendation will learn earlier about your interests and how to write about your unique attributes.

Whether you’re requesting a teacher recommendation for a summer program or college application, here are 5 key things to do to get the best recommendation:

  1. Request the recommendation 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline, when possible. This will allow the teacher ample time to write a strong letter on your behalf.
  2. Provide the teacher description of the program of interest. Discuss why you’re interested in this program. When applying to colleges, let the teacher know the colleges of interest to you and why.
  3. Activities Resume – share your updated Activities Resume with the teacher so that he/she will learn more about your interests.
  4. If there’s a form provided or other instructions about what should be included in the teacher recommendation, give that to the teacher, as well. Make sure that if there’s a waiver for you to sign that you do so prior to giving the teacher the form.
  5. Most important . . . Give the teacher an addressed envelope to seal and sign. If the recommendation should be mailed, please fill out the address and place a stamp on the envelope. If the letter should be returned to yoMake sure that teacher signs across seal of envelope with your recommendation, to ensure confidentialityu, please write on the front of the envelope.”Teacher Recommendation for (Your Name)”. Please make sure that the teacher signs across the seal of the envelope (see photo). This ensures that the recommendation is confidential!

Teacher recommendations are an important part of your application portfolio, whether it’s for a summer program or college admissions. You may also follow these steps if a counselor recommendation is needed.

What’s worked for you in getting the best recommendation?

 

The Optional Essay for College Applications

Should I Do The Optional Essay for College Applications?

When applying to colleges, you might encounter questions labeled as “optional” on applications like those for Elon University or the College of William and Mary.

For instance, Elon’s application reads: “You may also write an optional personal statement if there is more you would like to tell us about your background or any circumstances that might inform your academic information.” Similarly, the College of William and Mary offers an optional essay prompt: “Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful?”

So, should you I do the optional essay for college applications? Does “optional” really mean you can skip it? The answer is both “yes” and “no,” depending on your circumstances and how much you want to strengthen your college application.

On the “Yes” Side…

If you choose to skip the optional essay, it could save you valuable time. The senior year of high school is notoriously busy, filled with academics, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities. Every additional task adds to the stress.

Therefore, by not doing the optional essay, you can allocate that time to other pressing matters, whether it be focusing on another application, studying for an exam, or simply taking a much-needed break. After all, the word “optional” suggests that completing the essay isn’t a strict requirement, right?

On the “No” Side…

However, when you see the word “optional,” consider it more as an “opportunity” rather than a pass to skip the question. The optional essay provides an invaluable chance to showcase your personality, background, or experiences in a way that the rest of your application might not fully convey. It’s an opportunity to make your application stand out.

Why the Optional Essay Matters

  1. Showcasing Unseen Strengths: The rest of your application—grades, test scores, extracurriculars—might already be impressive. However, the optional essay allows you to highlight something unique about yourself that doesn’t fit into the other sections of your application. This could be an unusual hobby, a formative life experience, or a personal achievement that you’re particularly proud of.
  2. Explaining Discrepancies: The optional section on applications, like the additional information section on the Common Application, is an excellent place to address any discrepancies or weaknesses in your academic record. For example, if you had a challenging semester due to personal circumstances, the optional essay is your chance to explain this context to the admissions committee. Without this explanation, they might make assumptions that don’t fully reflect your situation.
  3. Demonstrating Interest: Completing the optional essay shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile. Colleges often use optional essays to gauge a student’s interest in their school. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful response, you signal to the admissions committee that you are genuinely interested in attending their institution and are willing to put in the effort to make your application as strong as possible.
  4. Building a More Holistic Profile: Colleges are increasingly looking for students who are not just academically capable but also bring a diverse set of experiences, perspectives, and passions. The optional essay can add depth to your application, helping to present you as a well-rounded candidate.
  5. Competing with Other Applicants: Remember, other applicants might choose to complete the optional essay, and if you don’t, your application might not stand out as much as theirs. Admissions committees read thousands of applications, and any extra piece of information that highlights why you’re a great fit for their school can be crucial.

How to Approach the Optional Essay

If you decide to tackle the optional essay, here are some tips to make your response impactful:

  1. Be Genuine: Write about something that truly matters to you. Your authenticity will come through in your writing and make your essay more compelling.
  2. Stay Focused: Even though the essay is optional, it’s still important to stay on topic and answer the prompt directly. Avoid going off on tangents.
  3. Highlight Your Fit: Use the essay to explain why you are a good fit for the school. Mention specific programs, values, or opportunities at the college that align with your goals and interests.
  4. Proofread: An optional essay should be treated with the same level of importance as any other part of your application. Proofread carefully to avoid any grammatical errors or typos.
  5. Be Concise: While you want to be thorough, make sure your essay is concise and to the point. Admissions officers have a lot of applications to read, so clarity and brevity can be your friends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the term “optional” might suggest that you can bypass certain questions on your college application, doing so might mean missing out on a valuable opportunity. The optional essay is a chance to enhance your application, clarify any concerns, and demonstrate your commitment to the school.

So, should you do the optional essay for college applications? If you’re serious about your chances of getting into your dream school and want to present the best possible version of yourself, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Treat every part of your application as an opportunity to stand out, and you might just find that the effort you put into that optional essay makes all the difference.