Class of 2025: College Application Update
As you enter your senior year, it’s time to focus on finalizing your college list and preparing your applications. The college application process has become much more streamlined with the Common Application, accepted by over 900 schools worldwide. This system allows you to enter your demographic information and extracurricular activities once and send them to multiple schools, simplifying the application process significantly.
The Common App Advantage
Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of The Common Application, explains, “The idea behind the Common App is to try and reduce the barriers that students face when applying to college.” While it can be confusing for families new to the process, we’re here to answer some of the most common questions. [Get tips and tactics from college students on how to use the Common App.] By working with us on your resume and personal statement, you’re already preparing for the Common Application, which opened on August 1st. We suggest using the HELP section on the Common App and accessing a new resource called AXS Companion which has videos on how to complete each section.
Preparing Your Application
Your resume, if accepted by a college, and your personal statement are crucial components of your application. The ACTIVITIES section of the Common App allows you to showcase your extracurricular accomplishments. By perfecting your resume first, you can ensure strong, concise statements that fit within the character limits (100 characters). Our students use CounselMore software to build their resumes over time, making the cut-and-paste process into the application seamless. We have partnered with LIFESTREAM DIGITAL to offer our students a 3D resume which really packs a punch as it SHOWS rather than TELLING. Here is an overview.
Staying Organized
The Common App’s mobile app is a tool to help you stay on top of deadlines, invite recommenders, and set reminders. While you don’t need to submit your applications during the summer, starting the Common App in August allows you to review specific requirements for each school, draft supplemental essays, and complete background information before the busy senior year begins.
To begin, visit commonapp.org and click “Get Started” for details on creating an account and logging in. Once you’ve entered the basic information, you can start adding colleges from your list.
Your Personal Statement
Essays are a significant part of the admissions decision, comprising 10-30% of the evaluation. The Common App essay prompts for the 2025 school year have a 650-word limit. Your personal statement should reveal who you are and why you’d be an asset to the college community. Avoid overused topics like sports injuries or mission trips. Each essay should be unique and tell a different part of your story, showcasing your core values, unique skills, and what you’ll bring to the school. Check out our VIRTUAL ESSAY CLINIC with the College Sharks.
You can preview supplemental questions for schools through the Common App’s Applicant Solutions Center, but be aware that the app is not updated for your class until August 1st prior to your senior year.
Is the Common App Mandatory?
No, but it simplifies the process. Many schools also allow applications through their websites, state systems, or other platforms like the Coalition Application and the Universal College Application. While most schools using these platforms also use the Common App, some, like MIT and Georgetown University, require their own application systems. It’s essential to research each school’s requirements. Our FREE SUMMER SPRINT will help you understand application deadlines.
Do Schools Prefer the Common App?
Schools don’t prefer one application platform over another, but high school counselors might prefer the Common App for its integration with Naviance, which streamlines the submission of documentation. However, you should always check each school’s specific requirements.
By starting early and using the resources available, you can navigate the college application process with confidence. Annapolis College Consulting offers 1:1 concierge-level assistance for your student. You can get help with our hourly package, our comprehensive package, or in our Essay Corner. We also have recently launched VIRTUAL COLLEGE CONSULTING through College Sharks- our new, cool, hip, affordable DIY product.
Good luck, Class of 2025!