08/05/2025
COMMON APP: It’s Not a Form—It’s a Strategy
You’ve heard of the Common App. You might even know it’s “just one application for many colleges.”
But here’s what most families don’t realize:
What Is It, Really?
The Common App is the platform used to apply to 1,000+ colleges—but not all schools are on it (e.g., MIT, UCs, Georgetown).
It includes:
🏫 Your college list
📝 Up to 10 activities, each ranked and described
✍️ One personal essay (uploaded—usually pre-written)
🗂️ School-specific supplements
👨👩👧👦 Family, education, coursework, and background info
📩 Recommenders, FERPA waiver, and fee waivers
It’s not a quick form—it’s a framing tool for your entire application story.
How Long Does It Take?
Even if essays and supplements are drafted ahead, expect to spend 6–10 focused hours entering everything into the Common App platform—strategically and carefully.
Why?
Each section requires thought, review, and precision
The Activities List can make or break a first impression
FERPA permissions and recommenders require confirmation
Errors or mismatched tone can subtly weaken your app
PARENTS: Here’s How to Help (Without Taking Over)
Do:
Sit down with your student to fill out the Family section
Help manage deadlines, recommenders, and fee waiver logistics
Review the final app for clarity, tone, and alignment
Don’t:
Rush the process or try to do it all in one sitting
Reword your student’s voice—it always shows
LSEC RECOMMENDATIONS:
Create an account now using a primary email
Explore the layout—don’t rush filling anything in yet
Complete basic sections first (family, school, testing)
Add your college list—and remember, some schools aren’t on the Common App
Wait to enter Activities & Writing sections—they require precision and planning
Sign the FERPA waiver early to activate recommendation requests
🎓 Final Thought:
The strongest students use the Common App like a puzzle—each piece adds to the big picture of who they are.
This week isn’t about finishing. It’s about starting with strategy.
💬 DM us if you need help getting started—our team’s here for both students and parents.