Common App Tips
Halloween candy in stores signals college application season. College Parents of America aims to reduce stress for families by offering clear senior year guidance. This newsletter provides Common App tips applicable to other platforms, helping you complete tasks and manage stress.
DIGGING INTO THE COMMON APP
Focus on two sections this week: Self-Reporting of Grades and Activities. The grade reporting can be tricky due to diverse school programs and grading systems. Encourage students to ask for help if they're confused or frustrated. If your student struggles, offer these tips:
Check AXS Companion Tool's Common App Tab / Courses and Grades for clear, accurate information.
If not, consult Common App website's Application Guide and FAQs for answers to common questions. If your student has a question, the odds are that plenty of other students have had the same question.
Have transcripts on hand when self-reporting grades to ensure accuracy.
Many students underutilize the Activities Section, rushing through it without showcasing their full potential. This section should include activities beyond school, and parents can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Resources are available to assist students in completing this section effectively.
The AXS Companion section on Activities
Admissions Mom is ALWAYS a great resource, and she has a detailed Activities how-to on her blog
DEEPER DIVE
If terms like “Early Decision,” “Early Action,” “Regular Decision,” etc. are making your head spin, click here for a deeper dive.
TIP OF THE WEEK
High school seniors have not gone through a college application season before, and they won’t do it again. Most have not managed these kinds of task lists, and they don’t have existing knowledge to draw on to help them prioritize.
Family members can help by suggesting prioritized action plans that help students move from a state of overwhelm to a state of organization.
