Do colleges look at future plans on Common App?

The last piece of the Education section asks about your future plans, starting with a question about when you are planning on entering college. While you'll answer this question for each college specifically, it's key to maintain consistency within your application by thinking through your answer here.

Is it okay to put undecided for future plans on Common App?

Applying undecided is not the best choice since your application will usually revolve around your major of choice. But, you can still apply undecided and explain how that specific university will help center your focus based on the resources they offer.

What should I put for future plans on Common App?

Don't list a career that is divergent from the application persona connecting the rest of your materials. You'll want to list a future plan that shows a clear trajectory from the work you have done in high school, to the work you intend to do in college, to your next step.

Do colleges look at all 10 activities on Common App?

You can add up to ten activities to your application, but that doesn't mean that you need to enter ten. On average, students applying through Common App report 6 activities. Don't forget, this section is how colleges can get to know more about you.

What is the disadvantage of the Common Application?

Con: It's Easy to Overdo It

While over 700 institutions accept the Common App, it doesn't mean you should apply to all of them. It's easy to forget this though and get caught up in the ease of applying to several schools at once.

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Do colleges prefer their application or the Common App?

Many colleges only accept the Common App because the platform has existed for longer and works with their application system. More teachers and counselors also know the Common App, which could make it easier for students to receive help should they need it.

Do colleges prefer Common App or their own application?

Most colleges who offer their own application will also accept the Common Application. These colleges typically do not have a preference which application a student chooses to submit, though I recommend contacting each college individually to ask if the admissions office has a preference of application type.

Is 7 extracurriculars enough?

There really isn't a limit to the number of ECs you do--but as many others mentioned above, quality is always regarded over quantity. Show admissions officers how committed you are to certain clubs (leadership positions, etc.)

How many hours is too much on Common App?

During the school year, 25 hours is a solid amount of time to devote to extracurricular pursuits. If a student lists many more hours, admissions officers may find it difficult to believe (even if it's true). If a student lists significantly fewer hours, admissions officers may question the student's commitment.

Is two extracurriculars enough?

It's tempting to think that Ivy Leagues expect several extracurriculars to impress them. While in reality, two to three extracurriculars are quite reasonable for students applying. Instead of competing by quantity, the best extracurriculars for Ivy League colleges reflect meaningful and high-quality experiences.

Should I include future plans in personal statement?

Your work experience and future plans are important to include. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that'll make you successful.

What is undecided on the Common App?

If you are unsure about your major, first choose the college to which you are applying, then choose "undecided" within either Arts & Sciences, Management or Engineering as your first choice major. In most cases, undecided applicants are admitted to the college they list first.

What is the most important part of the Common App?

The next component of the Education Section is arguably the most important - “Honors.” In fact, I'd argue it's one of the three most vital sections of the Common App, along with “Activities” and “Writing” (the essay). Filling this section out well is particularly important for selective colleges.

Do colleges care if you put undecided?

Admissions boards understand how important this decision is. They also know their students, including incoming students, are likely to change their course of study at one point or another. So, there is no reason for a school not to accept an applicant solely because they are undecided.

Is it bad to go to college with an undecided major?

By choosing to be undeclared, you give yourself time to decide on your major. Some students enter college without knowing what they want to study — and that's perfectly fine! Deciding to be undeclared can prevent you from wasting time and money on classes in a major you're not sure about.

What percentage of college students go undecided?

If you're struggling to pick a major to mark on your college applications, you're not alone. An estimated 20-50 percent of students enter college undecided, and up to 75 percent report having changed their major at least once.

Is it bad to not have 10 activities on Common App?

Also, remember that you don't have to list ten activities just because the space is available; some require much more of a commitment than others, so it's okay if you only have 5 activities that are time intensive and mean a lot to you.

Is 5 extracurriculars good?

Though 5 – 6 is the most ideal amount, that's not to say that some students don't do well with fewer activities – sometimes significantly fewer!

Does Common App limit you to 20 schools?

Common App member colleges have stipulated that applicants may add up to 20 colleges. The college list cannot be expanded for any applicant. Once you submit an application, that college can no longer be removed from your list of colleges.

What are Tier 1 extracurriculars?

Tier 1 activities are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership. The impressiveness of what a student has accomplished in their pursuit and the scarcity with which such activities are seen make them extremely impactful with admissions officers.

What is considered weak extracurriculars?

The most common “weak” extracurricular profile is simply one that is nonexistent or bare bones. Admissions officers don't want couch potatoes; they want to accept students who will become involved in the learning community. A student with little or no extracurricular involvement is undesirable.

How many extracurriculars does Harvard want?

Harvard University does not have a specific number of extracurricular activities that they require for admission.

What colleges don t accept Common App?

Can colleges see how many colleges you apply to Common App?

When you submit your application to a college, they typically do not have access to information about your other applications. However, some students may choose to disclose this information in their application materials, such as in essays or interviews.

Should I title my college essay in Common App?

You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space.