Create your Common App account

Overview

August 1 is an exciting milestone — the Common App opens! Time to start filling in your application sections.

First Steps

1. Create account at commonapp.org with an email you check regularly
2. Start your Profile section (personal info, demographics)
3. Add colleges to "My Colleges"
4. Begin the Activities section

Activities Section Tips

• 10 activity slots available
• 50 characters for position/leadership
• 150 characters for description
• Order by importance to YOU
• Use action verbs: Founded, Led, Organized, Managed
• Every character counts — abbreviate wisely!

What NOT to Do Yet

• Don't stress about perfection on day one
• Don't submit anything yet!
• Don't panic if you can't finish in one sitting

August Timeline

• Early August: Profile and activities sections
• Mid-August: Continue activities, review essays
• Late August: Polish everything, add final details

Encouraging Thought

You've been preparing for this all year. Now you get to show who you are!