Complete Common App core

Overview

The Common Application (Common App) is used by 950+ colleges. Completing your profile early ensures you're ready when applications open October 1st. Visit commonapp.org to begin.

Step-by-Step Common App Setup

1. Create Your Account

• Go to commonapp.org
• Click "Sign Up" and create account with email and password
• Verify your email address
• Fill in basic info: name, date of birth, phone number

2. Complete Demographics Section

• Legal name and any preferred name
• Date of birth and citizenship status (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, international)
• Gender identity and sexual orientation (optional)
• Citizenship: select your country and status
• Save and move forward

3. Complete Address Section

• Current mailing address
• Home country (if international)
• Will you live on campus? (Important for schools evaluating first-gen students)

4. Family Information

• Number of parents/guardians (1, 2, or other arrangement)
• For each parent/guardian:
  • Name and email
  • Occupation and job title
  • Education level (highest degree earned)
  • Annual income range (only if filing FAFSA; otherwise you can skip)
• Siblings: number of older, younger, and same-age siblings
• First generation college student? (Important for many colleges)

5. Education Section (Critical)

• Current school: search and select your high school by name/city
• If school doesn't appear: select "I can't find my school" and provide details
• Graduation date: June 2027 (for current seniors)
• GPA: enter unweighted GPA (most colleges ask for this)
• GPA scale: identify if your school uses 4.0 or 5.0 scale
• Class rank: enter if available (optional if unavailable)
• Do you take IB/AP/honors classes? Mark which programs your school offers

6. Testing Section

• SAT scores: enter all dates you've tested
  • Date taken
  • Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score
  • Math score
  • Total score
• ACT scores: enter all dates tested
  • Date taken
  • English, Math, Reading, Science subscores
  • Composite score
• Note: You can add more test dates later (don't wait until all tests are complete)
• Test-optional schools: you still enter scores if submitting them

7. Activities Section (Save for later if not complete)

• You'll add up to 10 activities you're involved in during high school
• For each: activity name, organization, grade levels, hours per week, weeks per year
• Roles and responsibilities
• This can be completed in October when other sections are done

8. Awards/Honors Section

• List major awards (leave for now if unsure)
• Common examples: honor roll, scholarships, athletic awards, art competitions

9. Coursework

• List all courses you've taken (or will take senior year)
• Include grades received
• This is optional but recommended for strong students

Common App Pro Setup Tips

• Save frequently: Use "Save Progress" button regularly
• Solyo integration: Link Solyo Grade Tracking to monitor GPA changes as senior year progresses
• Don't procrastinate activities: Get activity descriptions written now in October (takes 2-3 hours)
• Test scores: Add SAT/ACT as you receive them; no need to wait for final tests

Key Dates

• September 1-30: Complete all demographic, address, family, and education sections
• October 1: Common App opens; add as many schools as you're applying to
• October-November: Complete activities section (up to 10 activities)

Pro Tips

1. GPA accuracy: Double-check your GPA calculation with Solyo's GPA Calculator before entering into Common App
2. Activity descriptions: Be specific and quantifiable (not "volunteer work" but "tutor 5 ESL students, 2 hours/week for 40 weeks")
3. Coursework section: If your school offers IB/AP, list all courses—shows rigor to colleges