How to Ace the Common App: Remember the three “A” words
Gone are the quaint days when students entered their name and address, resume, and essays on typewriters for each school to which they applied. For the last two decades, the Common Application, the platform that most colleges and universities in the United States accept, has relieved students and families of this frustration.
The standardization of the Common App makes it a lot easier to apply to many schools, but, like all generic forms, it also increases the risk of presenting a file that looks just like everyone else’s.
There are still ways to stand out. If you understand how all the pieces of this platform fit together, you can maximize the Common App and shine.
Just like you are shooting for As in your classes, think about where and how to maximize these three “A” words when putting together your Common Application:
Accomplishments. The Common App provides an “Activities” section and an “Honors” section (under “Education”). Most admissions committees will evaluate this section of the Common App immediately after dissecting your grades and before moving on to your essays and letters of recommendation. Here is your opportunity to showcase the clubs, jobs, sports, community service, and research experiences you’ve had outside the classroom during your high school year. Use action verbs that make your accomplishments jump off the page and be sure to include all of your academic honors. If you run out of room, take advantage of the “Additional Information” section in “Writing” as an opportunity to include any “over-flow” activities or honors. Finally, when colleges and universities offer an option to include a resume, take that opportunity.
Attributes. A key way to differentiate yourself in the selective admissions process is to be likable. There are a few key attributes (resilience, empathy, initiative, curiosity) that are particularly likable to admissions committees. Without question, the best opportunity to reveal these attributes is the Common Application personal statement. In this 650 word essay, students have an opportunity to craft a story that will make an admissions officer excited to welcome you to their campus. Remember, these essays are almost always read after the review of your accomplishments (grades, activities, honors), so it is unwise to use the essay to recite all the cool things you’ve done. That “piece of the puzzle” has already been put down and has already been noted. Instead, take advantage of the Common App essay to help them understand you as a person and get excited about the personal attributes you will bring to their campus. Another opportunity for admissions committees to learn more about your attributes is in your teacher and guidance counselor recommendations. So be sure to pick mentors that know you and ask your counselors and teachers if they need any further information to comment on your attributes, not just your accomplishments.
Aspirations. College is all about achieving your goals, and also about setting new ones. College admissions committees are very interested in what you aspire to do. In fact, how you connect your goals to their institution can often have a profound impact on getting admitted. The Common App essay can be an opportunity to speak about aspirations. However, the supplemental prompts for each school are the most appropriate place to speak in depth about what you hope to accomplish in the future. The key here is the specificity with which you connect your goals and dreams to what that institution offers. If asked in the supplemental essays, show clearly how that college can help you achieve your aspirations and you’ll stand out in the pool. And, once again, communicating your goals to your teachers can also give them the opportunity to speak about your aspirations and their sense of your potential in their letters of recommendation. They can’t do that unless you share those goals with them!
To best take advantage of the standard platform that is the Common Application, make sure you’ve addressed your Accomplishments, Attributes, and Aspirations. At Arthur Smith Advising, we help you zero in on the appropriate and effective ways to highlight each of your “A”s to ace the application process.