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How to Fill Out the Common App Without Getting Overwhelmed

The Common Application (Common App) is supposed to make life easier—one application that students can send to multiple schools. But if you’ve ever opened it for the first time and felt immediate stress, you’re not alone.

It’s long. It’s detailed. And if your student doesn’t have a plan, it can feel like trying to write an entire autobiography in one sitting.

But here’s the truth: The Common App isn’t hard—it’s just tedious. And with the right approach, your student can get through it without the frustration, last-minute panic, or stress-induced snack breaks.

Here’s how.


Step 1: Start With the Basics (Before Even Logging In)

Before your student even touches the Common App, they should gather key information so they’re not hunting for details mid-application.

What They’ll Need:

  • Personal Information – Full legal name, address, citizenship, family details

  • High School Information – School name, counselor contact, graduation date

  • Test Scores (If Submitting) – SAT/ACT scores, AP/IB exams, subject tests

  • Course & Grade History – If their school uses Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR), they’ll need exact grades for every class

  • Activities & Awards – Clubs, sports, leadership roles, volunteer work, internships—anything that adds to their story


For Parents of Freshmen & Sophomores: Start a high school resume now! If your student tracks their activities, awards, and leadership roles as they go, they won’t have to dig through old emails or rely on memory when senior year rolls around.


Step 2: Tackle the Common App in Sections

Instead of trying to fill everything out in one sitting, break it into manageable pieces.

Day 1: Fill Out the Profile & Family Sections

This is the easiest part—name, birthday, contact information, and basic family details.

Day 2: Enter High School & Course History

  • Most of this information comes directly from their transcript

  • If using a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), double-check every grade

Day 3: Test Scores (If Applicable)

  • Some schools are test-optional, so research which ones require scores before entering them

Day 4: The Activities Section

  • Students can list up to 10 activities. Colleges would rather see depth than a long list of filler

  • List them in order of importance, not just chronologically

  • Be specific in descriptions. Instead of “Volunteered at animal shelter”, write “Coordinated adoption events, assisted in caring for rescued animals, and managed social media outreach”

Day 5: Writing Section (Essays & Additional Information)

  • The personal statement (main essay) should be done before starting the Common App

  • Some schools require supplemental essays. Check requirements early


Step 3: Avoid These Common App Mistakes

  • Rushing through the activities section – Every word matters. Use action-oriented descriptions

  • Repeating the resume in the essay – The personal statement should tell a story, not just list achievements

  • Skipping the additional information section – Use this space to explain anything unusual (gap years, family circumstances, grade fluctuations, etc.)

Final Step: Review, Then Submit

  • Triple-check everything. Spelling errors make a bad impression

  • Have a second set of eyes. A parent, teacher, or counselor can catch mistakes

  • Submit early, but not in a rush. If possible, avoid the last-minute submission crush in late December

Final Thoughts: The Common App Is a Tool, Not a Test

Yes, it’s long. Yes, it requires details. But it’s just paperwork, and with a plan, your student can get through it efficiently.

And if you’re feeling like you need a step-by-step guide to making sure every part of the application is airtight, that’s exactly what I walk parents through in my course.

 
 
 

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