The Common App Opens: A Checklist for August

The Common App Opens: A Checklist for August 

It’s August and the Common App is finally open! August is a crucial time for students to prepare for college admissions. Let’s take a look at a quick checklist. 

1. Create a Common App account and start familiarizing yourself with the functions.
2.  School is just around the corner, so be sure to check your school email and complete any brag sheets, letter of recommendation forms, and questionnaires that your school counselor and teachers have tasked you with. 
3. Prioritize what you can finish before school begins. You want to have a running start and carry the momentum before school exams come around. 4. Break down everything from your college list, personal statements, personal information, activities list, supplemental essays, financial aid documents, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc. and make a plan for when to complete and submit everything. 
4. Remember, each university may have several essays (some even pop up only after you input your major into the Common App), so plan ahead. Your essays take time to revise, so build buffer time for yourself to review them with a fresh eye. 

Key Takeaways 

• List everything you need to do before apps are due. Then prioritize them.
•  Starting early can save a lot of stress!