How Do You Finalize A Common App For College 2017

How Do You Finalize the Common App for College? (2017 Edition, Because Why Not?)

Alright, future college student, let’s talk about the Common App. Think of it like the “choose your own adventure” book of college applications – except instead of fighting off a dragon, you’re fighting off procrastination, writer’s block, and the nagging feeling that your college list is still a hot mess.

You’ve probably heard about the Common App, but let’s get this straight: it’s not some mystical, magical portal to your dream college. It’s a form. A very important form, but a form nonetheless. And like any good form, you need to fill it out with care and attention.

So, how do you finalize this thing? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty, and we’ll be using more sarcasm than a Shakespearean play.

Don’t Just Throw A Dart At The Wall: Finalizing Your College List

First things first: you need to know which colleges accept the Common App. This isn’t rocket science, but it’s more important than knowing the difference between a “comma” and a “semicolon.”

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Common App website. (They actually have one, who knew?) You’ll find a list of all the colleges that accept the Common App.
2. Use a search function. Don’t go through the whole list like it’s a novel you haven’t read.
3. Make sure the colleges you’re interested in are on the list. If they aren’t, you’ll have to apply directly to those schools. This is like going to a party, but the bouncer doesn’t know you. Not fun.

Now, let’s talk about your college list. A good college list is like a good pizza: it’s got a perfect balance of safety schools, reach schools, and some schools that are just there because they have a really cool mascot.

Here are some things to consider:

• Your academic profile: Are you a straight-A student? A B student? A “I’m just here for the pizza” student? Your academic profile will play a big role in determining which colleges are a good fit.
• Your interests and goals: What do you want to study? What kind of environment do you want to live in? What are your career aspirations?
• Your budget: College is expensive, even if you’re going to a school called “Cheap University.” Make sure you’re applying to colleges that you can afford.
• Location: Do you want to be close to home? Far away? In a big city? A small town? Consider your location preferences when creating your list.
• Fit: Do you want to go to a big university or a small liberal arts college? Do you want to be part of a competitive environment or a more relaxed one?

Don’t be afraid to do some research. Read college websites, talk to current students, and visit campuses if possible. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to make a decision.

The Common App: A Brief History (and Some Sarcasm)

The Common App is like a time machine. It takes you back to your freshman year of high school when you thought “college” was just a word you heard adults say.

It asks you about your GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. It wants to know about your “life experiences,” which is a nice way of saying they want to know if you’ve ever done anything interesting.

Here’s the thing about the Common App: It’s designed to be user-friendly, but it can still be a pain. It’s like trying to navigate a website using only a dial-up modem.

The Most Important Part of the Common App: Your Essays

Okay, now we’re getting to the good stuff. The essays are the chance to show the colleges who you are beyond your GPA and test scores. It’s like a job interview, but instead of talking about your skills, you’re talking about your personality.

Here are some tips for writing your essays:

• Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to write your essays. You’ll be less stressed and the quality of your writing will be better.
• Choose the right essay prompts. The Common App offers a variety of essay prompts, so choose one that allows you to showcase your strengths and interests.
• Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The colleges are looking for authentic and genuine students.
• Show, don’t tell. Don’t just tell the admissions committee about your accomplishments. Show them through vivid storytelling and specific examples.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Typos and grammatical errors are like a bad haircut: they make you look unprofessional.

The essays are your chance to stand out from the crowd. Take your time, be creative, and let your personality shine through.

The Final Steps: Submitting the Common App

You’ve filled out the forms, written your essays, and proofread everything. Now it’s time to hit the submit button. But before you do, make sure you’ve done the following:

• Review your application. Make sure everything is accurate and complete.
• Send your transcripts and test scores. Colleges require official transcripts and test scores, so make sure you send them in a timely manner.
• Pay any application fees. Some colleges charge application fees, so make sure you’re prepared to pay.
• Get your parents’ approval. (Unless you’re a legal adult, but even then, it’s good to keep them in the loop.)

Once you’ve submitted your application, breathe a sigh of relief. You’ve done it!

Living the Dream: What Happens After You Submit the Common App?

Now comes the waiting game. You’ll receive an email or letter from the colleges you’ve applied to notifying you of their decision.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get accepted into your first-choice school. College admissions is a competitive process, and there are many other great schools out there.

Remember: The Common App is just one step in the college admissions process. It’s a big step, but it’s not the only one.

But hey, if you need help with any of this, or just need someone to commiserate with about the stress of college applications, you can always reach out to us at JobLoving! We’re here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of college admissions.