Worrying about your common application? Here are 5 tips to make the process a little easier!
1. Don't Procrastinate
Maybe you're one of those people who always leaves everything to the last minute. We all are pretty guilty of this, but please do NOT procrastinate your college application. The Common Application for the 2017-2018 school year was released August 1st, 2017, and many colleges have early action deadlines due in mid-October. Start working on your application now; it will save you stress and grief when due dates arrive.
2. Don't Lie
Be honest. Seriously. Lying on your college application may get you into a good college, but it doesn't do you any good if you don't actually have the qualifications to pass your classes. The college accepted you for a reason after all. Also, if your deception is discovered, you're in trouble.
3. Pick Your Essay Topic Carefully
Your college essay is arguably one of the most important, if not the most important, parts of your college application. Make sure you are aware of the new essay prompts released this year and the revisions made to older prompts. Your topic should be something that defines you and allows the reader to see beyond the numbers on your application to the person behind them.
4. Perfect Your Essay
Your essay probably shouldn't be written the night before your application is due. Take time with your essay, as it is the link between you and the person deciding if they are going to accept you into college. You should have multiple drafts, and get teachers, peers and other adults to proofread your essay.
5. Sell Yourself
Not everyone is going to be accepted to the college you are applying to. Colleges receive thousands on thousands of applications, and you have to make sure your application stands out. List every activity, everything you have been involved in, any jobs and any community service you have done on your application. Any of these activities you have done is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd.