Common Application

Common Application hosts over 900 institutions, including international schools
Fall 2022 Application Opens: August 1, 2021
Filing Period: Depends on each institution you plan to apply to maintain a calendar of important dates
Apply at: https://www.commonapp.org/
How to Apply: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-time-students
Admission Requirements Vary By Institution:
- A-G expectations vary per institution from LAUSD A-Gs, UC/CSU recommendation, and beyond. Please maintain a college list with ideal admission requirements and averages. Beyond the A-G recommendation:
- A 3+ years of Social Studies
- B 4+ years of English
- C 4+ years of Math
- D 4+ years of Science
- E 3+ years of Foreign Language
- F 2+ years of Visual & Performing Arts
- G 1 + year of a Colege Preparatory Elective (these courses are offered at the high school)
- Complete a minimum of 15 A-G courses, with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year. Students should consider taking honors courses such as Honors, AP, and Community College.
- GPA varies per institution. Ideally, these are institutions who on average admit students with 3.0 GPA or better, with no grade lower than a C in A-Gs. Ideally for Ivy league school students should earn GPA closer to a 4.0 and above. Not all Comon App institutions require the reporting of courses and grades, here is a list of those which do require submission: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/Do-all-members-of-The-Common-Application-use-Courses-Grades-in-their-admissions-process
- Testing: Not all common app schools are TEST OPTIONAL for 2020: It is expected students are able to demonstrate they are college-ready via Examination ACT with Writing, SAT Reasoning plus Essay, and/or SAT Subject tests no later than December of your senior year. APs, IBs & CLEP examinations may also demonstrate college readiness. Testing varies per institution please maintain a college list with ideal admissions requirements and averages.
- Writing prompt requirements vary by institution. Some institutions will include the writing prompt for the common app, additional prompts, and supplemental. : Details, instructions, and pointers can be found: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/What-are-some-best-practices-for-completing-my-essays-in-the-Common-App
- Letters of recommendation requirements vary by institution. Please maintain a college list with ideal admission requirements and averages. Please speak to your recommenders prior to selecting your recommenders on the common app: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/How-do-I-assign-my-recommenders
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is required by common app: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/What-is-the-FERPA-Waiver
Support:
Strive for College is a national nonprofit whose mission is to connect high school juniors and seniors with a mentor and provide guidance through the college admissions and financial aid process. You can learn more about Strive For College here or
Fee Waivers, application fees should not pose a barrier for any student who wishes to apply for admission. If you feel financial circumstances might qualify you for a fee waiver, you may request one on the Common App fee waiver section of your application profile https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/What-do-I-need-to-know-about-the-Common-App-fee-waiver
Early Decision: Ivy Leagues and top universities offer early decisions that are bidding. Some institutions accept over 40% of their class as Early Decision (ED). It is important students consider applying to a single institution as ED if they are 100% committed to attending if they are admitted. If not admitted as ED you can reapply for regular admissions. You may be released from the bidding decision if you cannot afford the cost of attendance. You may find more statistics on ED for top tier schools and Ivy leagues: https://www.toptieradmissions.com/resources/college-admissions-statistics/ivy-league-college-early-admissions-stats-class-of-2024/

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