Use these resources to help you get acquainted with what the Common App is and how it works. They'll learn about unfamiliar terms, what international students need to know, and more.

After viewing this document, you will be able to help students:

  • Select the correct registration type for their Common App
  • Understand the Common App layout
  • Search for colleges and add them to the My Colleges list

Resources coming soon:

  • Common App for International Applicants
  • How the Application Works

Resources

  • What is Common App?

    PDF

    Last revised 11/06/23

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  • How the First Year Common App Works

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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  • Application Dictionary

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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  • Common App for International Applicants

    PDF

    Last revised 03/24/23

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  • The Pathfinder: Find your best fit college

    PDF

    Last revised 09/18/23

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There is a lot of information your students are asked to understand and complete in the Common App. This set of resources will help your students get organized and start the application process.

These resources will help students:

  • Understand what materials to gather in order to complete their application
  • Know how to check the specific application requirements for each college or university
  • Learn how to report standardized test scores in the application
  • Understand FERPA and how it impacts the application process

Resources

  • Gather Materials

    PDF

    Last revised 01/05/21

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  • My College Requirements Worksheet

    PDF

    Last revised 01/05/21

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  • High School Details Information Sheet

    PDF

    Last revised 08/16/21

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  • FERPA & Your Application

    PDF

    Last revised 01/05/21

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  • Understanding the Testing Section in Common App

    PDF

    Last revised 07/30/21

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Whether your student is working on their essays or sharing about their extracurricular interests, these resources are here to help.

This resource will help students:

  • Understand the Activities section and how it helps students tell colleges and universities more about who they are
  • Get tips for completing the college essays
  • Learn how to organize and brainstorm essay ideas and best practices for reducing stress ahead of application deadlines

Resources

  • Approaching the Activities Section

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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  • How to approach the essay

    PDF

    Last revised 07/30/21

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Students don't go through the application process alone. There are counselors, teachers, and advisors that provide guidance and support along the way. These resources teach students about the support network they have and how to interact with their recommenders.

This resource will help students:

  • Understand the recommendation process
  • Learn how to find the strongest advocates and understand how they can provide support for their applications
  • Find out how to invite and assign teachers and recommenders within the Common App
  • Get tips and best practices for managing the recommendation process

 

Resources

  • Understanding the Recommendation Process

    PDF

    Last revised 10/26/22

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  • Connecting with UStrive Mentors

    PDF

    Last revised 08/04/22

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  • Family Brag Sheet

    PDF

    Last revised 11/06/23

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  • Counselor Brag Sheet

    PDF

    Last revised 11/06/23

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  • Teacher Brag Sheet

    PDF

    Last revised 11/06/23

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The cost of college can be daunting. These resources will help teach students about fee waivers and the different scholarship options they have.

This resource will: 

  • Help students understand how to apply for financial aid and scholarships
  • Understand the difference between different types of financial assistance
  • Learn about application fees and fee waivers
  • Provide tips for finding scholarship opportunities

Resources

  • Understanding Application Fees & Fee Waivers

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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  • Applying for Scholarships with Scholarship Search

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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  • Understanding your financial aid offer

    PDF

    Last revised 10/27/23

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