How to Tackle the Common App: 7 Simple Tips to Stay Organized

The Common App, or Common Application, is a centralized application used by more than 1,000 institutions. It streamlines much of the work, but you can make your experience even smoother, more effective and less stressful. We’ve rounded up seven smart, stress-busting strategies that will keep you organized, make your application shine and help you to keep your cool.

1. Start Early

While it’s super tempting to wait until the last minute, don’t! Trust us, starting early makes everything way easier. More time equals less stress and more room to think things through. Create your Common App account early to explore the platform and get familiar with the features before you start filling it out.

Pro tip: Considering you’ll need an email address associated with your account, be careful which one you choose, said Emma Byrne, an undergraduate admissions counselor at Sacred Heart University. Students using their school email address might have issues because network security and Common App messages might be blocked. She suggests creating a designated email address that is used only for the college application process, which will keep everything in order.

Take this opportunity to spend some time speaking and working with your school counselor, who can be an excellent resource, Byrne said. Every year, counselors help many students start the process, build out the application and see it through to the end. Given the Common App has a 20-school limit, your school counselor can also help you to tailor your list of schools.

2. Gather Your Information

Before you dive into essays and college choices, gather your basic info—things like your address, family details, high school info and a list of your activities. Getting this out of the way early saves a ton of time and headaches later. You don’t want to be scrambling for your school counselor’s email or your parents’ work history the night before a deadline. Knock out these easy wins so you can focus your energy on other parts of the Common App. You’ll need:

Gathering all your basic info early helps you stay organized and makes it way easier to handle the different requirements of each college. If you have questions about applying to SHU, learn more about freshman admission requirements.

3. Break It Into Chunks

Try blocking off a few hours each week to chip away at different parts, such as filling out personal information, searching for and researching your target colleges, writing your essay or statement, seeking letters of recommendation, reviewing extracurriculars and proofreading and finalizing everything. Think bite-sized snacks, rather than finishing a whole meal in one sitting. Give each section the attention it deserves.

4. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

If you’re applying to a bunch of colleges, you’ll notice many ask for the same stuff. No need to start from scratch every time! The Common App lets you reuse sections of your application for one school—like your personal info and extracurriculars—for other colleges, which is very handy. Tweak and tailor things where needed, since requirements can vary for each school, and then double-check your work so that nothing slips through the cracks.

5. Know the Costs

Application fees can add up fast, especially if you’re applying to multiple colleges—so it’s important to know what each school charges before you submit. Once you’ve added the colleges you want to apply to, you can find application fee information under each college’s information page. If cost is a concern, you may qualify for a fee waiver—which you can find in your profile section. Your school counselor may need to confirm eligibility, so don’t wait until the last minute to request it. (By the way, using the Common App platform is free.)

6. Get Organized

To stay on top of everything, make a simple spreadsheet or checklist process. You’ll invariably have different deadlines, application fees and requirements that could become overwhelming if not wrangled early in the process. Breaking it down by college, application deadline, requirements (letters of recommendation, supplemental essays, portfolio submissions, etc.) and personal deadlines will keep you sane. This visual tool will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute surprises.

7. Double-Check Everything

Phew! You’ve finished the application. But before you hit submit, slow down. Proofreading is key. A tiny typo can mess with the impression you’ve worked so hard to make. It can help to have someone else take a look—your favorite teacher, a parent or that friend who’s really good at spotting grammar mistakes. A second set of eyes can catch stuff you totally missed.

Bonus advice: Walk away! Your brain needs a break. You’ve been staring at the same words for hours, increasing the chances a tiny slip-up makes it through. Come back a day or two later, with fresh eyes and double-check all your work, which is, again, a good reason to start early.

By following these tips and by staying focused, you’ll have succeeded in showcasing the best version of yourself.

Is Sacred Heart in Your Future?

If you are considering SHU, be sure to reach out to Sacred Heart’s admissions counselors early in your college application process. They can help take you through the steps to apply to SHU and begin your next chapter! Get started by learning more about SHU’s freshman admission process, by calling 203-371-7881 or by scheduling a visit.

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