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The Application
What is the Common Application?
The Common App is a single application that is accepted by most colleges and universities to which Friends’ students will apply. Students fill out the Common Application online, and can submit it directly to their colleges.
How do you access the Common Application?
The Common Application is at www.commonapp.org. Logging in and beginning the registration process does not take any preparation, and everything you enter can be edited at a later date.
How do you register?
● Go to www.commonapp.org and click “Create an Account.” Enter your email address and select a password – be certain this is an email address you check frequently as it will be shared with the colleges to which you apply so that they can provide updates regarding your application – click “continue”
● Enter your “Registration Information” – identify yourself as a “first-year student” and an “applicant planning to enroll within the next 12 months.” Check both boxes indicating that you agree to the terms
● Click “Create”
Once you register, you will see 5 tabs at the top of your page:
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Dashboard – will display all of your colleges and the status of your work for each major application component including deadlines and a quick overview of your progress.
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My Colleges – provides a list of your colleges in the left hand column and indicates college information such as phone numbers, deadlines, fees, and requirements. This is also where you will complete any college specific questions including additional writing supplements
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Common App – where you complete your general biographical information that is consistent and will be submitted to all of your colleges. This information should be completed first
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College Search – allows you to search for and add different colleges to your Dashboard.
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Financial Aid Resources - provides a variety of information regarding financial aid.
Where to begin?
You should begin by completing the information in the “Common App” tab. Fields with a red “*” are required. Please complete this form as thoroughly and accurately as possible. When you complete a section, please click the burgundy “Continue” button and your information will automatically be saved.
Things to note about the Common Application
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You can see a print preview of each section of the Common Application as you complete it. There is a “Preview” button in the upper right hand corner of each page.
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Each section of the application has a help feature showing you how to complete it. This is located just to the right of the “Preview” button noted in the above bullet-point.
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The Personal Statement has a strict word limit, a maximum of 650 words.
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In the Additional Information section students are not allowed to upload documents such as resumes; a strict word limit is enforced.
What's next?
As you identify colleges to which you definitely plan to apply, you should start to enter specific colleges into the “My Colleges” area using the “College Search.” You are limited to 20 colleges in your “Dashboard” (although, no one should be submitting that many applications), so you should only enter colleges that you are confident to which you will be submitting an application. During our individual meetings we will also be determining a plan for Early Decision/Early Action/Regular Decision applications. Under each college name in the “My Colleges” tab, you will find details about the application fee, deadlines, and requirements. Additionally, this area will include college specific questions and any additional writing supplements that may be required for each. These additional writing samples, no matter how long, should also be reviewed by your college counselor prior to submission. Once you have submitted the application to one college, it is possible to return to the application and edit it for future submissions to other colleges.
Types of Application Plans
What do all the terms mean? What are the differences between them?
EARLY DECISION
EARLY DECISION
Early Decision (E.D.) is a program for students who select a particular college as a definite first choice. The application, and all supporting documents, must typically be submitted by November 1st or 15th. The college’s Admission Office will then evaluate the application and notify the student (usually in December) whether they have been admitted, deferred to regular admission or rejected. If admitted, the student is obligated to attend that institution and must withdraw all other applications. A student should not apply Early Decision unless they have researched the school thoroughly and has definitely decided to attend the college if admitted.
Many colleges also offer a second round early option. The deadline for E.D. II is typically the same as the regular application deadlines, January 1st or 15th. Students then hear the decision in early to mid- February. In the case of E.D. II the student is obligated to attend that institution and must immediately withdraw other applications.
EARLY ACTION
EARLY ACTION
Early Action (E.A.) is a program similar to Early Decision. The student applies early and receives early notification of the admission decision. The key difference from Early Decision is that a student who is admitted under an E.A. program is not obligated to commit to the particular college if admitted. Thus, even if a student is admitted in an Early Action program, they may continue to pursue applications at other schools. It is important for students to check the guidelines for each specific college regarding early procedures. For example, some colleges are Single Choice or Restrictive E.A., which means that students are not allowed to submit other early applications with minor exceptions.
ROLLING ADMISSION
ROLLING ADMISSION
Many state universities and a handful of private schools act on an application as soon as the file is complete. The college notifies the student of its decision within weeks of receiving the complete application. It is generally to a student’s advantage to apply to a school with this type of Rolling Admission program as early in the fall as possible, because, as spaces are filled, the admission standards increase. Students may be deferred under this program, as colleges might want to wait to see senior year first semester grades before making a final admission decision.
Priority Deadlines are often used by public institutions. For example, the University of Maryland has a priority deadline of Nov. 1st. In some cases, such as University of Michigan, all application materials must be received by the deadline as well.
REGULAR ADMISSION
REGULAR ADMISSION
The average number of applications our students submit is eight to ten. The maximum number of applications a Friends student may submit is 12, and such a large list is rare. Important parts of the college process are learning to identify preferences, to set priorities, to self- evaluate, and to make decisions. If a student learns these skills, there should be no reason to apply to such a large number of schools.
Is Early Application right for you? Questions to consider:
Will your admission profile be complete and at its strongest (i.e.: would senior semester grades significantly improve your profile) for an early application deadline?
Will you have enough time to fully polish and fine-tune your application and supplement by November?
In the case of binding programs, have you thoroughly researched the college and visited the campus at least once?
Is it to your disadvantage to apply at a later date based on that school’s particular policy?
What are the possible responses (admit, defer, deny)? If the response is negative, will you be able to handle the wait until March for other good news?
A word of caution:
Applying early is not right for many students. An early application is not going to make an unrealistic reach, realistic. A poorly written early application will not be viewed more positively than a polished regular decision application. An early application will not counterbalance poor junior grades; in fact in the case of a junior grade dip or late academic awakening, colleges will want to see a full semester of senior grades.
The decision about what application plan is right for you should be made in consultation with your college counselor. If a student decides to apply early, he/she will need to complete the Early Contract by October 14th.
The Application: Who Does What?
Student
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Complete the student portion of the application including any required supplements.
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Submit the application and supplements by the stated deadline.
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Include the application fee or fee waiver by deadline.
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Provide teacher recommenders with the college list and any appropriate forms.
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Early & Rolling Applications- 10/14
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Regular Applications- 12/5
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Complete the Final College List form with a parent signature by 11/7. Submit to your counselor.
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Officially send standardized test scores to colleges, if required. Note: this may take 2 to 5 weeks. Follow Score Choice rules.
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Complete and submit financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile) and any requested supporting materials (such as copies of tax returns).
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Follow up when notified of missing application materials.
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Send handwritten, thoughtful thank you notes to recommenders.
Counselor
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Review and approve each student’s Final College List.
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Write School Letter of Recommendation.
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Prepare accurate official transcript.
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Complete the School Report Form for each college a student applies.
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Send the school materials by deadline:
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School Report
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Transcript
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School Letter of Recommendation
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Profile
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In some cases and only by student request, the following may be included:
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Supplemental Recommendations
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Teacher Recommendations when necessary.
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When notified of missing materials, resubmit materials.
Teacher
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Write Teacher Recommendation.
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Complete the Teacher Recommendation Form (online).
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Submit the Teacher Recommendation Form and Letter by stated deadline online.
The Paperwork
School Reports
Most college applications, with the general exception of state schools, require letters of recommendation. Two types of recommendations are usually requested: a teacher and a school or counselor recommendation. Other types of recommendations are rare, so they will not be described here.
1.) On behalf of Friends Seminary, the college counselors write a letter of recommendation for every senior. This happens automatically; you do not need to request this letter of recommendation. It is sent to every school to which a student applies, regardless of whether or not the school requires it.
2.) Usually, a college will require such a letter, and will include in the application materials a form called “School Report” or “Counselor’s Report.” We automatically create a Common Application School Report for every student. In the Senior Seminar, students will electronically sign the confidentiality clause. We require students to waive their right to read the report.
3.) If a college does not use the Common Application and provides a specific School Report, please have the appropriate form electronically forwarded to the College Counseling Office.
4.) A final list of the colleges you are applying to is due on November 7, 2022. Once this list is approved by the College Counselors, any additions or deletions must be communicated in writing.
5.) The College Counseling Office is responsible for submitting:
School Report - Common Application Form or Institutional Form
Transcript - including other high schools attended such as School Year Abroad and NYU Attachment for courses taken through Friends.
Counselor Letter of Recommendation
School Profile
Discipline Reporting
Students and parents should be aware that some colleges and universities require students to self-report discipline issues in their Questions section of the Common Application or on their institutional applications if they do not use the Common Application.
Please be assured that our goal is to support the student in honestly, and effectively reporting discipline incidents.
Teacher Recommendations
Working on the presumption that at least one of the colleges to which a student will apply will request two teacher recommendations, each student should consider which two teachers would be best suited to write on their behalf. The best recommendations come from teachers who both know you well as a student and like you as a person. It is advisable that both of those teachers are from the junior or senior years and, though not necessarily required, that one is from the English, History, or Foreign Language Departments, and that the other be from the Math or Science Departments. Teachers in the Art, Music and Physical Education Departments may also be asked to write supplemental letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Requesting a Recommendation
All initial requests for teacher recommendations should be made by the end of junior year. We will work with students through this process.
The teachers you ask will write on your behalf to each of the colleges to which you are applying. You need not have your college list finalized before you request a letter of recommendation from someone. Your teachers have the right to decline to write for you if they do not feel that they are able to do so effectively. If your request is denied, please accept the response gracefully; they are only acting in your best interest.
Deadlines
Teachers have the right to set their own deadlines for receipt of the Teacher Recommendation Request List. If they do not state a specific deadline, give them the request list by the following deadlines; the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire is due to teachers by October 1st .
College Deadline:
1.) 11/1 - 12/1
2.) 1/1 or later
Recommendation Forms Deadline:
1.) 10/14
2.) 12/5
Even students awaiting early application responses should submit the remaining paperwork to their teacher recommenders by December 5th unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Students should waive their right to access the teacher recommendation whenever asked. While FERPA gives the student the right to access his/her recommendations at the college where he/she ultimately matriculates, we require that students waive this right. Admission officers will weigh more seriously a recommendation that is confidential. Further, many teachers will insist on this as a condition of their writing for a student.
How Recommendations are Submitted
Teachers at Friends submit recommendations electronically through Naviance unless a specific college requires otherwise. If all of a student’s colleges accept electronic submission, s/he only needs to provide the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire (as soon as possible) &
Teacher Recommendation Request List (by deadline above).
Thanking Your Recommenders
Students are strongly encouraged to write thoughtful, handwritten thank you notes to those teachers who act as recommenders for them. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to write a letter of recommendation, and many teachers spend their Winter Break on this activity. It
is appropriate for students to thank them for their efforts. The same holds true for anyone who writes a supplemental letter of recommendation for a student. A sample Thank You Note is provided here.
Students should begin to think now about their ultimate need for recommendations from teachers. Your teachers must know you well and have seen solid work and a continuous effort from you if they are to be in a position to write a strong letter.
The College Essay
What is the Purpose of the Essay?
From the College Perspective
Writing Sample: At its most basic level, the essay is an example of your writing ability. In recent years, more and more colleges have implemented a writing requirement into their core curriculum, recognizing the value of strong writing skills for all students regardless of major. The ability to communicate, both verbally and in written form, is essential for success in any profession. Therefore, admission evaluators pay particular attention to grammar and language in the college essay. PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD!
Content: The vast majority of your application has to do with numbers... test scores, grade point averages, and so on. The essay is an opportunity to let the reader see the person behind all those statistics. Give life to your unique voice and personality through the essay. Remember to be true to yourself in writing the essay, the voice that is heard should be yours not the voice of your parents or teachers.
From the Student’s Perspective
Put your Best Foot Forward: If you are willing to put time and effort into writing your essay, it is a wonderful opportunity for you to stand out in the admissions process. You cannot magically go back and erase that D in Algebra II from your transcript, but you can control whether or not you submit a strong college essay.
How to Pick a Topic?
Some applications will allow students to choose their own topic, but the Common Application provides specific prompts. The most important piece of advice is to find a topic or choose a prompt that you care about. Impossible though it may sound, you should actually enjoy writing this essay. If you write honestly about something that is important to you, your readers will have an opportunity to see your world (or a piece of it) through your eyes.
In order to get started, brainstorm ideas with people that you trust like a parent, sibling, friend or teacher. Then free-write (quick write) like mad on several topics or experiences. Focus on specific moments and recreate them on paper, using your sense memory.
Remember that your readers will be exhausted and bored; you need to appeal to their senses before you get to their minds. However, never forget that your reader is quite intelligent; don’t underestimate the power of subtlety. Being blatant, preachy, or begging insults your reader.
If writer’s block is getting the best of you, try setting the clock for twenty minutes and just writing… about anything that comes to mind. Or, take the three adjective approaches; name three adjectives and write anecdotes from your own life to illustrate each.
After churning out a large volume of freewriting, let it sit for a few days. Then, re-read it, looking for topics that represent you well. The essay should highlight your strengths and send the reader a message about you.
Essay Do's
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Be sincere, clear, spirited and personal.
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Write, rewrite, proofread.
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Give yourself time, a good college essay is rarely written the night before.
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Read directions thoroughly, understand the question and required length.
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Write about something you know or care about.
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Dialogue can work.
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Think small. Don’t get hung up on the word ‘significant,’ often the best essays are on rather mundane topics.
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Use specifics, anecdotes and details.
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Accentuate the positive even in a painful situation.
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Read it aloud to yourself... does the essay make sense?
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Type unless otherwise noted.
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Grab the reader’s attention.
Essay Don'ts
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Assume the same essay is appropriate for all colleges.
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Repeat information found elsewhere in the application.
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Go crazy with a thesaurus.
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Wander from topic to topic in your essay; try to be concise and logical.
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Go too far....there is a limit as to what is appropriate and effective in terms of humor, creativity, and radical viewpoints.
Graded Writing Samples
Some colleges will allow students to also submit a graded writing sample. It is essential that you read the guidelines carefully when selecting a sample. Typically, the college wants to see a critical, analytical essay NOT a creative piece. The 'graded' paper with the teacher’s comments must be submitted NOT a clean copy. Do not use a paper from an in-class writing exercise.
Go through your papers from junior year and also think about upcoming assignments that you have for your current classes. Although it would seem safe to assume that a paper with an A grade is your best sample, this is not always the case. Once you have compiled a few choices, ask a teacher or parent to review them and give you feedback.
Why 'X' College?
In addition to the essay many colleges will ask students to write a short answer response to a question such as: Why are you interested in attending X University? What do you hope to study in college? How do you envision your freshman year at X University?
Your response should typically be one to two paragraphs long. It is imperative that you use specifics in your answer. Dig out those college viewbooks and identify two to three specific aspects of the school to discuss in your response. Look back at your notes from your campus visit, what anecdotes can you recall? You should also attempt to make connections between yourself and the college. For example, 'Having attended a small school my entire life, I place great value on close student-faculty relationships. The student: faculty ratio at X University is ideal....' If you are planning to end your response with a strong affirmative such as, 'X University is the perfect match for me,' be sure to use the correct school name.
Need Help Getting Started On Your Essay?
Sample Prompts | Questions to ask yourself?
(Taken from Conquering the College Admissions Essay in Ten Steps)
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What has been the hardest thing in my life?
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What has been difficult for me to accomplish?
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At what points have I felt inadequate and how did I deal with those feelings?
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If I had to quickly replay my life, which two or three moments would jump out ahead of all the others?
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What do I regard as my greatest victory?
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What in the world utterly fascinates me?
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Which of my relationships have I worked at the hardest?
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Have I ever made a discovery that thrilled me?
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Have I ever felt betrayed?
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What has held me back from realizing my ambitions?
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What is the funniest thing that ever happened to me?
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What fills me with pride?
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When did my mind and body feel utterly out of sync?
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When did my mind and body feel in perfect harmony?
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What have I done that “they” said couldn’t be done?
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What object or possession holds the most meaning for me?
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If I can’t sleep at night, what’s keeping me up?
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What has been your most embarrassing moment?
“All of this parading on the high road has nothing to do with the real possibility of the personal essay, which is to catch oneself being human. That means a willingness to surrender for a time our pose of unshakeable rectitude, and to admit that we are, despite our best intentions, subject to all matter of doubt and weakness and foolish wanting. It requires self- awareness without self-importance, moral rigor without priggishness, and courage to hang it all on the line. It’s a hard thing to do.”
- Tobias Wolff
Tip On Getting Started
Useful Websites | Tips From Admissions
Useful Websites | Real Sample Essays
Useful Websites | Articles on College Essays
BRAINSTORM IDEAS
BRAINSTORM IDEAS
Steps to Take:
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Keep a running list. Write all ideas down—good or bad, silly or serious.
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Ask for suggestions from friends & family.
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Read other students’ college essays to get ideas (but don’t be intimidated).
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Read a specific essay prompt (see above), set a 5-10 minute time period. List every idea, image, and phrase that comes to mind in response.
Points to Consider:
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Originality is a plus…. Find an original topic or take an original or unexpected approach to a standard topic.
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Don’t overthink what “they” want to hear. Don’t get hung up on the idea of “unique” or “significant.”
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Do not write about the “college essay,” SATs, or the college process.
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Take time to reflect on who you are and what you want to say about yourself.
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Spend as much time thinking about your topic as you do writing about it.
REVIEW THE LIST WITH A CRITICAL EYE
REVIEW THE LIST WITH A CRITICAL EYE
Steps to Take:
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Read over the list and pick one idea or image that stands out to you. Then set a 10-15 minute time period and free write on that specific idea. Don’t worry about grammar, just write.
Points to Consider:
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What message(s) will the topic communicate about you?
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What specific examples can you think of to illustrate/ draw out those ideas?
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Will the topic allow your unique voice to come through?
DEVELOP THE
IDEA FURTHER
DEVELOP THE
IDEA FURTHER
Steps to Take:
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Read over the free write, circling ideas, images and words that stand out. Identify one that really speaks to you and set another 10-15 minute time period to free write.
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Once you have found a viable essay topic, outline the essay before you begin to write.
Points to Consider:
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Brainstorm creative openings/ approaches to the topic.
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Do not repeat the question in your opening sentence.
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Show & Tell: Use specifics to support your major point. Elaborate.
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Think small—anecdotes and rich details work.
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Emphasize the positive in the end- even when discussing a negative or painful experience.
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Do not be afraid or embarrassed about tooting your own horn (within reason); this is not the time to play down your successes or strengths.
REVISE, REVISE, REVISE
REVISE, REVISE, REVISE
Steps to Take:
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After writing the first draft, set it aside for a few days before revisiting.
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Get feedback before revising extensively. Some topics just don’t work well in this forum.
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Plan to write several drafts before arriving at a final, polished piece.
Points to Consider:
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Have you followed the directions in terms of length, responding to a specific question, deadline, etc…?
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Read the essay aloud to catch wordiness and other grammatical mistakes.
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Does the introduction grab your reader?
Extracurricular Activities
Charts and Resumes
Additional Submissions
Non-Required Materials
Students may choose to send materials with their applications that are not explicitly required. Additional letters of recommendation, portfolios of art work, video clips of musical performances, and videos of athletic contests are the types of materials most commonly considered. Rest assured that each college will require of you everything it needs to make a decision about your application. Do not feel compelled to send additional materials! Additional materials should speak eloquently to one of your skills, talents, or interests that cannot be captured by the required documents.
Letters of Recommendation
Each student’s application will be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the College Counselor whether the college requests one or not. Most applications also require teacher recommendations – usually one or two. Peer recommendations are occasionally requested, and some schools offer an optional recommendation form that can be given to anyone of the applicant’s choosing.
Supplemental recommendations (those that are not required) can be valuable documents for college admissions officers if the recommender has a unique perspective on the applicant that is not explored in any other part of the application. Coaches, music teachers, and art teachers are the most common authors of supplemental recommendations. For students who are talented in the arts and/or athletics, such letters can be a significant addition to an application. Further, if the student or the student’s family has a relationship with someone who is intimately involved with the college, that person might also write a recommendation on behalf of the student.
At the same time, it is important to be careful about overloading your application. Too many recommendations can be detrimental to an applicant. You should not simply send letters from everyone who has expressed the willingness to write one. It is almost always inadvisable to send more than a total of five recommendations (including teachers and counselors). Please consult with your College Counselor before you request supplemental letters of recommendation from anyone.
Portfolios, Music and Videos
Any student with significant artistic talent should consider sending a portfolio of work along with the college application. Students applying to art schools or art programs within liberal arts colleges may be required to do so. In the case of a required portfolio (or audition), these creative reviews become the crucial factor in rendering an admission decision. If it is not a requirement for your application, speak with your College Counselor and the Art Department about the advisability of sending a portfolio. Keep in mind that they are a good deal of work to produce, and can sometimes be costly. In the same way, the Performing Arts Department is our best resource on the admissibility and production of recordings for the Admission Office. At some colleges, but not all, the general procedure is to forward portfolios, music or video clips and links to online sites such as SlideRoom to the respective departments for evaluation. Be prepared with your best quality work.
The Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success
What is the Coalition?
The Coalition represents more than 100 American colleges and universities that share “a commitment to make college affordable and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds, and for students to be successful in completing their education.” Members of the Coalition “include a diverse group of public universities that have affordable tuition along with need-based financial aid for in-state residents, and private colleges and universities that provide sufficient financial aid to meet the full, demonstrated financial need of every domestic student they admit.” Coalition schools graduate at least 70 percent of their students within six years, with many having much higher rates.
What does the Coalition do?
The Coalition provides tools designed to assist students prepare to apply to four-year colleges. It also created a new undergraduate admissions application that some, but not all, Coalition members will use in addition to their own applications.
Is the Coalition Application something
I or my child will need to use?
Unless the college only accepts the Coalition Application, we recommend for now that our students continue to use the Common Application, or colleges’ institutional applications. Currently The University of Washington is the only college that solely uses the Coalition Application.
For schools that use both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, is there be an advantage to using one platform over the other?
No. Just as all US colleges and universities accept both the SAT or ACT, institutions do not prefer one application system over the other.
The Coalition's Virtual College Locker is:
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A site for students to securely and privately store classwork, resumes, journals, and notes.
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Completely separate from the Coalition Application.
The Virtual College Locker is not:
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Something that admissions officers will ever have access to. It’s simply an organizational tool for students.
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A college application.
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Required for admission to any Coalition school.
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A platform for colleges and universities to gauge demonstrated interest in a college. As stated above, admissions offices cannot view the activities of students using the Virtual College Locker
