A Parent’s Complete Guide to the Common Application

A Practical Roadmap for Parents of U.S. High School Students

When college application season begins, the Common Application—better known as the Common App—is the first major step for most students. While its biggest advantage is allowing students to manage multiple college applications through one account, the process involves many sections where errors are common. Careful preparation is essential.

This guide provides parents with a clear, section-by-section overview, strategies, and checklists so you can effectively support your child.

1. Understanding the Common App at a Glance

• Dashboard / Common App / My Colleges / College Search / Financial Aid: These are the main tabs.
• How it works:
  • Information entered in the Common App tab (profile, family, education, activities, testing, essay, etc.) is sent to all selected colleges.
  • The My Colleges tab shows school-specific questions and supplemental essays, which vary by institution.
• Managing deadlines: Keep track of EA/ED/RD deadlines, teacher/counselor recommendations, and portfolio submissions in one organized calendar.

2. Suggested Timeline for Success

• June–August: Create account, draft a college list, organize activities, and start the personal essay.
• September–October: Confirm recommenders (two teachers + counselor), plan supplemental essays, finalize testing strategy.
• October–November: Submit EA/ED I applications, create each school’s applicant portal, double-check missing documents.
• December–January: Submit ED II/RD applications, prepare scholarship essays if required.

Tip: Always confirm the time zone for each school’s deadline.

3. Section-by-Section Guidance

Profile

• Use legal name exactly as on official documents (passport, school records).
• Enter accurate birthdate, address, and contact information.
• Use a student-only email account and check spam folders regularly.

Family

• List parent/guardian education and occupation simply and accurately—no lengthy details required.

Education

• Confirm high school, counselor information, GPA scale (weighted/unweighted), and whether class rank is reported.
• Enter all senior-year courses exactly as listed on the transcript.

Testing

• Check each school’s testing policy (required, optional, not considered).
• Self-report SAT/ACT scores only if beneficial. Avoid reporting low scores.
• AP/IB scores are optional; submit only if they strengthen the application.
• Plan timing for official score reports if required.

Activities

• Prioritize by impact, leadership, and commitment.
• Quantify whenever possible: e.g., “Led a team of 12 in a food drive, raised 2,450 pounds of donations over 6 weeks to support 130 families.”
• Use consistent tense (past or present) and avoid unexplained acronyms.

Writing (Personal Essay)

• Follow a clear structure: Situation → Action → Result → Reflection.
• Show authentic voice and growth, not just a résumé summary.
• Focus on meaningful moments rather than dramatic language.

Additional Information

• Use this space only to explain context (e.g., family responsibilities, health challenges, school transitions).
• Do not repeat activities or essays.

Courses & Grades

• Required only by some colleges. Match every detail with the transcript.

Recommenders & FERPA

• Waiving FERPA rights is generally recommended to increase credibility.
• Prioritize two junior-year core subject teachers who know your child well.
• Provide teachers with a “brag sheet” that highlights achievements and anecdotes.
• Confirm recommenders are properly assigned in each application.

College-Specific Questions & Supplements

• Expect prompts like “Why Us?,” “Why Major?,” or community contribution essays.
• Tailor responses with specific references to programs, professors, or research opportunities.
• For arts-related majors, check for portfolio requirements (e.g., SlideRoom submissions).

4. Key Strategies to Strengthen Applications

• Consistency: Link academic interests, activities, essays, and recommendations into a coherent story.
• Context: Use Additional Info to explain unusual circumstances or gaps.
• Balanced College List: Mix Reach, Match, and Safety schools, ensuring each supports your child’s intended major.
• Test-Optional Decisions: Decide strategically whether submitting scores will boost competitiveness.
• Special Programs: Explore honors programs, research fellowships, co-ops, and state/national scholarships for added value.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Typos in names, dates, or school information.
• Missing emails or ignoring application portal updates.
• Misunderstanding deadlines by time zone.
• Vague or unquantified activity descriptions.
• Copy-paste errors in supplemental essays (wrong college name).
• Forgetting to assign recommenders.
• Submitting low test scores unnecessarily.
• Not previewing the PDF before submission (formatting issues).
• Overlooking separate deadlines for portfolios or scholarships.
• Recycling essays without customization.

6. Parent Checklist Before Submission

• Is the college list with deadlines (ED/EA/RD) updated?
• Are senior-year courses accurately listed?
• Is the test reporting strategy finalized?
• Are activities listed in order of impact and quantified?
• Does the personal essay reflect authentic voice and reflection?
• Is Additional Info used only for relevant context?
• Has FERPA been waived and recommenders assigned?
• Do supplements highlight each school’s unique opportunities?
• Are portfolio/scholarship/housing deadlines tracked?
• Has the final PDF preview been checked for errors?

7. After Submission

• Log into each college portal to confirm receipt of documents.
• Send official transcripts and test scores if required.
• For ED admits: withdraw other applications and begin financial/ housing steps.
• For deferrals or waitlists: prepare a concise update letter (LOCI).

Final Thoughts

The Common App is not just about filling in boxes—it’s about presenting a consistent, authentic, and well-prepared application. Accuracy, storytelling, and careful deadline management can make the difference. With parents helping to manage logistics and students focusing on essays and authenticity, this process can lead to strong results.

We’re here to support your family every step of the way.

📧 Contact us
📞 470.253.1004

Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee (powered by Elite Open School)
1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127
Suwanee, GA 30024
📩 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
📺 YouTube: andyssamTV