College Flight Path’s Application Checklist
As a college counselor, I have helped thousands of students navigate the application process. One of the most important aspects of this process is ensuring that students have all the necessary materials to submit an application that summarizes the best of their high school experience. In this article, I will discuss the materials needed to apply to college, including student activities, personal identification information, honors and awards, and any other details required for the Common Application, followed by a tool that you can download to help you get organized.
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application is a widely used online platform designed to simplify the college application process for students and their parents. It allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities by completing a single application form. The Common App includes sections for personal information, academic records, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. By using the Common Application, students can save time and effort by filling out one application that can be sent to multiple institutions from community colleges to ivy leagues, streamlining the college admissions process.
Common Application Activities List
The common app activities section is a list of the student's extracurricular activities. This can include clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, internships, and any other activities the student has participated in outside of the classroom. Admissions officers are looking for well-rounded students who are actively engaged in their community and have a passion for learning.
It is important for students to provide detailed activity description, including the length of time they participated, any leadership roles they held, and any notable achievements or accomplishments and have a description in approximately 150 characters that best summarizes this information.
Your Personal Identification Information
Another essential material for the college application is personal identification information. This includes the student's name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and social security number. It is important for students to ensure that all of this information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any issues with their application. Students should also provide information about their family background, including their parents' educational level, if they attended college, year of graduation, and current occupation.
Common Application Awards and Honors Section
Admissions officers are also interested in any honors or awards the student has received during their high school career. This can include academic awards, athletic awards, community service awards, and any other recognition the student has received for their achievements. Students should provide a detailed description of each award and the criteria for receiving it. Academic awards are housed in a specific area in the application, whereas athletic and volunteer awards are housed in the activities section of the application.
Supplemental Materials for College Applications
In addition to the materials mentioned above, the Common Application also requires students to provide information about their academic background, including their high school transcript and GPA, standardized test scores, and any advanced coursework they have taken.
In conclusion, applying to college requires careful attention to detail and the submission of a variety of materials. As a college counselor, I always advise students to start the application process early and to ensure that they have all the necessary materials ready to submit before the application deadline.
By providing detailed information about their extracurricular activities, personal identification information, honors and awards, and any other required details, students can focus on their essays and check off this part of the to-do list early on in their process, senior year or even junior year!
If you have any questions about your application materials for college, don’t hesitate to reach out to College Flight Path for clarification and support.
