Common App

The logo that seniors have seen countless times this year as they are applying to colleges: The Common App.

College applications are two words that hold both terror and a spark of excitement in the eyes of high school seniors. There are two sides to the emotional aspect of college; the first side is excitement. Some students are excited to have a fresh start with new people and a new environment. It might be nice to live somewhere new and make new friendships. On the other hand, college can be scary. It’s nerve-racking to pack up your things and move to a new and unfamiliar place with no familiar faces to bring you comfort. It’s sudden, and it is okay to be nervous about it. Of course, there is an in-between. Most students don’t see this to be only scary or exciting. It’s a thrilling mix in between. But before college are college applications. Emma Reiss (12) claims that “during this time, student’s feel the most anticipation.”

A few questions that are floating through seniors’ minds at the moment are along the lines of whether they will get into the college of their dreams. Questions regarding how much tuition costs and whether or not they can afford it, then, after they have decided where, when, or if they will be attending, it is a matter of being there and doing well in their classes.

But first, knowing the steps to apply would be helpful. The Common App is a website that most students use to apply to colleges. You cannot apply to Cal State or UC schools through the common app, but you can apply to nearly every school other than those. To apply to Cal State schools, apply through Cal State Apply, and the website will guide you through the process. With UC Schools, you can apply using the same application through My UC Application. The Common App is also self-explanatory but can get confusing. Once you create an account, it will bring you to the application page. First, you must fill out your personal information in the common app tab. Then, select the colleges you wish to apply to in the college search tab, which will be held in the My Colleges tab.

Before you write your essay, I recommend checking each college to see if they require it. If not, there isn’t any need to complete this part in the common app. Each college will ask you a series of short essays or short answer questions and will ask for a list of recommenders. After you have completed each of these things, you can click the button at the end of the application that reads “Submit application.” And good luck to you all from there!

Remember, Mustangs, you have worked hard to get where you are today. Regardless of which college accepts you or doesn’t, you should be proud of everything you have accomplished. Good luck to our seniors this year; we all wish the best for you in the new and upcoming years of your life!