As we approach college application deadlines, I wanted to share some tips to guide students toward success.
- Write, edit, revise, PREVIEW – Most know about the first 3 steps and forget the last. Hit PREVIEW in the Common App so you see your application AS COLLEGES WILL VIEW IT. That’s where you catch any final formatting or spacing issues. Save to PDF; proof; adjust; PREVIEW again.
- Which prompt should you answer? I get this question a LOT, and you’ll be relieved to hear that it doesn’t matter which you choose for the main essay. Of course, you want to pick the prompt that fits your essay BEST, but this isn’t an English paper rubric where you have to cover every single word. Rather, make sure your story FITS the prompt you choose. Personally, I don’t love the last free-choice option. I’ve never seen an essay that couldn’t somehow fit into one of the prompts. For reference, I’ve listed them here, along with more tips on tackling the main essay.
- Do you need a title for your main essay? No. It’s totally optional, and it DOES count toward your 650 words in the Common App. My advice: if it adds something unique/extra, GO FOR IT! If it’s bland or simply summarizing, leave it out.
- Deadlines – You must manage ALL deadlines. Each school varies in terms of when all pieces are due. Beyond your application, you may also be submitting test scores, teacher recs, additional materials, Honors applications, etc. Once you apply, you’ll typically get a portal where you can log in to check your application progress. Make sure any pieces arriving from somewhere else arrive on time to be considered with your application.
- Resume or no? Some schools do require a resume. Others allow you to upload a resume. Of course, if it’s mandatory, you must include it. If it’s optional, here’s my advice: ONLY upload a resume if it ADDS significantly to the activities you’ve already reported. If you have just a little more to share, and it’s important, you can certainly use the Additional Information section instead. Keep in mind, adding more stuff doesn’t mean they’ll take longer to read your application. It means that everything will be reviewed more quickly. So think of your application like it’s a series of puzzle pieces telling the story of YOU. Make each one count, and don’t simply repeat information because you think it will impress.
- Honors/Scholars/Merit Aid – Some schools offer this automatically to all applicants; other schools offer it only if you indicate interest or if you apply by a certain date. And others require additional writing or information. Since this is a school-by-school thing, you need to research to be sure you’re completing the steps on time to receive this potentially wonderful stuff!
I hope this helps!
