If your student is interested in applying to a US post-secondary institution, chances are you’ve come across the Common Application website. The Common Application, an online application portal used by more than 600 colleges, has made several important modifications to their system for the 2015-2016 application cycle. Options Solutions attended their informational session at NACAC to get the inside scoop on the changes. There are four main changes for students to note for this year:
Optional Personal Essay Requirement
In previous years, students were required to submit a personal essay as part of their Common Application. This year, each college can now decide whether or not students need to submit a personal essay with their application. If students want to submit a personal essay to a college that does not require an essay, they always have the option of doing so.
Clearer Communication of Writing Requirements
When access the Common App interface, many students found the process of determining whether a school required written essays confusing and unclear. When a student scrolls over a school, the dashboard icons now clearly indicates whether an essay is required, optional or if there’s additional information for a student to note regarding essay supplements.
Counselor Recommendation Changes
The counselor recommendation form has been moved from the “school report” section to its own area of the application. Counselors still have the option of indicating they will not be sending a counselor recommendation form, and can view if a counselor recommendation form is required for a specific school or not.
In-Progress Print Preview
Previously, if students wanted to preview their Common Application, to see the most current version of the document, they needed to engage in the submission process to track their progress. This year, students have access to the preview button, which they can use at any point during the application and which will show students the exact format their application will be transmitted in, at that point in the application. Students can preview the application as many times as they want, and at any stage in the process.
New Support & Resource Options
The Common App also has updated their solutions center and resource materials to help answer student questions that arise throughout the process.
- Video Tutorials
- Around the clock support – 24 hours
- Live chat – available 12:00 – 8:00 PM EST, on weekdays
- Schedule a call to chat – request a call 12 hours+ in advance – available 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM EST on weekdays
If your student needs help completing their Common App, our consultants are available to assist them with the process! Contact the front desk at (604) 922-8456 or e-mail info@options-wp.chhdev.com.
