Common App 101 - class of 2026 (presentation slides)

Common App 101 Class of 2026 Senior Academy

WHAT IS THE COMMON APP?

www.commonapp.org

LEARN ABOUT SCHOOLS

APPLY DIRECTLY & REDUCE WORK

USE IT AT NO COST TO YOU

Some schools within NC that accept Common App include: Appalachian State University Catawba College Davidson College Duke University East Carolina University Elon University North Carolina A&T NC State University Queens University UNC Asheville UNC Chapel Hill UNC Charlotte UNC Greensboro UNC Wilmington Wake Forest University

…and many more!

Other notable schools that accept Common App include: University of South Carolina Clemson University (SC) University of Alabama Auburn University (AL) University of Tennessee University of Georgia Coastal Carolina University (SC) Winthrop University (SC) Vanderbilt University (TN) University of Michigan University of Florida Florida State University West Virginia University The University of Mississippi Georgia Tech

…and many more!

CREATE ACCOUNT & SET UP PROFILE

This year will have a NEW USER INTERFACE! This site may change on August 1st but you can go ahead and make your account between now and July 28th.

SEARCHING COLLEGES

Use the “College search” feature Do this after your primary college searching to help you narrow down your list.

Once you have an account, there is also a College search feature.

Links for external sites for each school (school website, College Navigator, virtual tours, etc.) and the school’s official social media accounts.

Updated dates & admission requirements for each school premiere on AUGUST 1st ; read info carefully.

If a school you are interested in does not appear here, they do not currently accept Common App.

Dashboard NEW: personalized view upon login

This year will have a NEW USER INTERFACE! Much of the info and the naming is consistent but it will look different from previous years.

My Common Application Profile Family Education Testing Activities Writing Courses & Grades

This year will have a NEW USER INTERFACE! Much of the info and the naming is consistent but it will look different from previous years.

My Common Application NEW: in-progress and completed visual indicators

This year will have a NEW USER INTERFACE! Much of the info and the naming is consistent but it will look different from previous years.

MY COLLEGES

My Colleges https://www.commonapp.org/ each college has an accordion folder with tasks to complete these are unique to the college you can work on each application at your own pace and you will “Review & Submit” each application individually look for the confetti on your screen once an application is successfully submitted *Info in the My Colleges will NOT carry over year to year. Enter this after August 1ˢᵗ.

My Colleges you can work on each application at your own pace and you will “Review & Submit” each application individually look for the confetti on your screen once an application is successfully submitted

*Info in the My Colleges will NOT carry over year to year. Enter this after August 1ˢᵗ.

Common App YouTube channel “Common App walkthrough” tutorial (2022-23)

ACTIVITIES SECTION

Approaching the Activities Section

https://www.commonapp.org/static/e8e63f283bee9d4d1f2573db09d03a72/FYActivitiesCAReady.pdf

NEW: new student context question under “Responsibilities and Circumstances” to better understand your day-to-day reality

Helpful Tips maximum of 10 Activities – choose wisely! (quality over quantity) consider activities with continuity choose activities that you plan to continue in college include leadership experience (not just President of Student Body…) only 150 characters to describe each Activity so it is OK to use abbreviations and sentence fragments here (but; capitalization & Grammar must bee perfect) use action verbs and data points (much like writing a resume) put your strongest activity first (think of it as an introduction)

WRITING SECTION

Writing Tips This is the culmination of your application, so give it the time it deserves. Think about it.

Plan. Write drafts. Re-read. Edit. Repeat.

Use the Personal Essay (PE) to really show who YOU are. 250-650 words.

Be descriptive and clear. Show your personality.

Show how the pieces of your application fit together.

Choose a prompt that you understand and one that will point to your strengths.

Choose a prompt that will lead to self-reflection.

In your writing, be forthright about what you are good at but don’t be arrogant.

Avoid clichés and overused phrases. Be authentic.

Personal Essay prompts 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way.

How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Additional Info & “Challenges and Circumstances” These prompts are optional.

Separate from other essays, the “Additional Information” section (300 word limit) is your chance to address a GPA “hiccup,” further context, severe health condition, etc.

A field formerly listed as “Community Disruptions” is being revised as “Challenges and Circumstances.”

NEW Look for a FAQ for clarification on website and more info coming soon from Common App after August 1st.

T O N

P U

T A D

D E

NEW: new student context question under “Responsibilities and Circumstances” to better understand your day-to-day reality

Writing resources?

WEBINARS Essay Writing 101 Essay Writing 201 on-demand recordings available!

1:1 Essay Coaching individualized advice!

sign up now

Essay Review Service anonymous reader & confidential feedback | starting in Sept

Common App will close at 5pm on July 26th and re-open on August 1st for its annual refresh. The 2026 Common App will open on August 1st with all updated data and admissions questions.

All of your information from My Common Application will rollover. The written sections from My Colleges will not.

REMINDERS

Upcoming Senior Academy 7/24: Essay Writing 201

Conference Notes 3 August 1st begins a new round of meetings with your Crosby Advisor. Reach out to him/her to schedule soon.

Community Service Now is a great time to complete your service hours.

(The Fall will get busy!)