Aug 08, 2017
Five Things Applicants Need to Know About the 2017-2018 Common App
The 2017-2018 Common Application launched on August 1. Here are five quick tips to keep in mind as you explore the application and prepare to apply.
1. If you've already created a Common App account, you will be able to roll it over. When you log into the 2017-2018 Common App for the first time, we will ask you if you would like to roll over your information. If you select "yes", you'll walk through three steps to complete the process and access your data:
Initiate. Sign in, using the same email address and password you used to create your account and answer a few quick questions to start the rollover process.
Explore Dashboard. The rollover process may take a few minutes depending on the amount of information you stored. As the rollover occurs, you'll be taken to your account Dashboard. This is where you’ll keep track of all of your application requirements. Take some time to explore the Dashboard. You’ll check it again and again throughout the application process.
View your Common App account. After you explore the Dashboard, click on the Common App tab to continue working on your application. Some answers to questions in the Profile, Family, Education, Activities, Testing, and Writing sections may not have rolled over. Don't worry - remember, some questions change from year to year, so you will need to answer these questions again.
2. Check out the updated essay prompts. In addition to the five essay prompts from last year's application, you'll notice that there are two additional prompts available this year. Now is a great time to start thinking about which prompt will best represent your story and begin brainstorming ideas for your essay.
3. The new Google Drive integration will help. In addition to your Common App essay, you may have a variety of documents - resumes or school assignments, for instance - that may currently exist in Google Documents. We hope you will use this new tool to collaborate with teachers and counselors on written materials you plan to upload into your Common App.
4. August 1 is just another day. The Common App may have gone live on August 1, but don't feel pressured to rush to the finish line. Whether you've created an account already, or you're logging in for the first time, remember to pace yourself and have others review your application to ensure you are producing your best work.
5. Support is always available. Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter where you are in the process, the Common App Solutions Center team is available to help you. We know you may have questions about completing the Common App, so make sure you add appsupport@commonapp.net to your address book - we wouldn't want our responses to get stuck in your spam or junk mail folders.
Don't forget to join the conversation! Follow us using @CommonApp and #CommonApp on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest updates and news. Wishing you luck for the year ahead!
