Common App

Unlock the Secrets to Ivy League Dreams: Common App Edition!

🎓 The Common App is open and smoother than ever! Find out how to nail those essays and get those acceptance letters!

The moment high school seniors have been waiting for has finally arrived: The Common Application opens today for the 2024–25 application cycle! This portal is the gateway to hundreds of colleges and universities, including the Ivy League. If you're dreaming of an acceptance letter from your top-choice school, mastering the Common App is your first key step.

First things first, keep calm and start brainstorming. The essay section of the Common App is usually the most daunting for students, but it doesn’t have to be. Admissions officers are looking for genuine stories that reveal who you are and what you’re passionate about. Think about pivotal moments in your life, challenges you've overcome, or experiences that have shaped you. Aim for authenticity over perfection.

Beyond the essay, the Common App also requires detailed information about your extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership roles. This is your chance to showcase not just what you've done, but how you've made an impact. Did you start a new club at school? Volunteer for a meaningful cause? These details can set you apart from other applicants.

Don’t forget the letters of recommendation! Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character. A glowing recommendation can provide a fuller picture of who you are to the admissions committee.

Interesting fact: About 1 million students use the Common App each year to apply to more than 900 colleges and universities. It’s not just limited to the United States—students from over 200 countries use it too! So, when you hit that submit button, remember you’re in good company around the globe.

Interesting fact: The Common App was developed in 1975 as a way to streamline the college application process. Since then, it’s grown exponentially in both use and scope, evolving to include features like the ability to track application progress and submit multiple applications at once.