What Does “Date of Entry” Mean on the Common App? (And Why It’s Not About When You Started High School)
Let’s face it, applying to college is like navigating a labyrinth of confusing terminology. You’ve got “FAFSA”, “SAT”, “ACT”, and now, the dreaded “Date of Entry” on the Common App. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out and scream, “Just tell me what to do!”
Fear not, dear reader. This blog post is here to demystify the “Date of Entry” enigma and ensure you don’t end up looking like a confused, hairless college applicant.
The “Date of Entry” is actually about your future, not your past. It’s not about the date you started high school; it’s about the date you plan to enter college. Think of it like your college’s “Welcome to the Jungle” party – it’s the date you’ll be stepping into the exciting (and sometimes chaotic) world of higher education.
So, if you’re applying for the Fall 2023 term, your Date of Entry would be August or September 2023, depending on the specific start date of the college’s academic calendar. Think of it as the official welcoming party for new students, where you’ll be greeted with a mountain of paperwork, a confusing campus map, and maybe even a friendly (or not-so-friendly) upperclassman who’s eager to tell you all the “secrets” of college life.
Let’s break it down with some examples:
- You’re applying for the Fall 2024 term? Your “Date of Entry” would be August or September 2024.
- You’re a transfer student and planning to join a college in the Spring 2023 term? Your “Date of Entry” would be January or February 2023.
Confused? We’ve all been there. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
- “Date of Entry” is not about your birthday. It’s not a time to celebrate your existence (though you should definitely do that on your actual birthday!).
- “Date of Entry” is not about the date you finished your application. It’s not a race to see who can click “submit” first (although, let’s be honest, there’s a certain thrill in that).
- “Date of Entry” is not about the date you started your first job. It’s not a time to brag about your impressive work experience (unless you’re applying to a college with a “work-study” program, but that’s a story for another day).
Now, let’s talk about the “Date of Entry” in the context of the Common App.
The Common App is like a giant online form where you can apply to multiple colleges with one single application. The “Date of Entry” section is usually found in the “School Report” section, where you provide details about your current high school.
The Common App wants to know when you started high school because they need to track your academic progress. But remember, this information is separate from your “Date of Entry” for college, which is the date you plan to start your college journey.
Pro tip: If you’re applying to a specific college that has its own application, it’s always a good idea to check their website for any specific instructions regarding the “Date of Entry.” Some colleges may have their own unique requirements, so it’s best to be prepared.
Remember, the “Date of Entry” is just one small part of the college application process. It’s a bit like the sprinkles on a cupcake – it adds a little bit of flavor, but it’s not the whole cake. So, don’t stress too much about it!
What if you still have questions about the “Date of Entry” or anything else related to the Common App? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Head over to the JobLoving community, where you can connect with a supportive group of college application veterans who are ready to offer advice, guidance, and maybe even some much-needed humor to help you navigate the college application process.
So, go forth, young applicant, and conquer the Common App! And remember, the “Date of Entry” is just a small hurdle on your path to higher education. You’ve got this!