Every year, I look forward to sharing updates to the Common App, especially those related to the writing sections. Here’s the scoop for the 2022-23 cycle. Applications via the Common App launch 8/1.
I recently attended a Counselors Webinar and have some news to share. Here are the major headlines related to the writing on your application:
- Confirmed – the Activity Section will remain the same. So start drafting your list! You’ll have limited space to report up to 10 activities, so make those characters count! Organization (100), Position/Leadership (50), Description (150). They confirmed that the hours per week and weeks per year you report should be your best ESTIMATE! Don’t stress.
- Main essay prompts were announced, along with confirmation of the COVID question, and I shared details and tips here.
The Common App is live now, but it will go offline mid-July (they predict 7/28/22) before its official launch 8/1. If you need to enter information now (truly not necessary), be sure to export your information to PDF before the offline/online process and then compare notes. If you start early, here’s what will and won’t roll over:
Notice that “answers to college-specific questions” do NOT roll over. That also applies to supplements. Colleges can change supplements year to year. Some do; many don’t; so don’t assume what you see in the Common App PRIOR to 8/1 will apply to you. I’m collecting supplements as they’re slowly confirmed for my students. Other notable trends & updates:
- They added “Mx.” And “Other” as prefix options for sex and gender and will add “X or another legal sex” in 2023-24.
- Continued increase in number of applications overall and number of applications per student
- Historically significant drop in colleges requiring standardized test scores (only 5% in 2021-22 vs 55% year prior)
- Number of transfer applications increased this year
- Last year, 16% of applicants answered the optional COVID question. Should you? Tips here
- There are 50 new colleges joining the Common App – details here.
Here’s what you can collect NOW to be Common App ready in August:
- Draft your activity list
- Draft your main essay
- Finalize your college list & look for confirmed supplements this summer to get ahead
- Collect general Common App information
- Get an unofficial transcript from school & identify/fix any errors early
I’m frequently asked which prompts are most popular. My philosophy: it truly doesn’t matter which prompt you answer as long as your answer fits the one you pick. If you’re curious, here’s who answered which prompts this year:
If you’re interested in more background or tips, here are some links:
- Data analytics & research on the Common App
- Explore colleges; learn about schools; find test-optional schools; export your list; do virtual tours – link
- Plan for college – grade-by-grade checklists; parent resources; guides to application
- Understanding the Common App & preparing your application; understanding the essay prompts
- Need help? 24/7 Common App support
