Do colleges see your Common App?

Colleges will be able to see all names you share in your application, but not your preferences. Please note that colleges may have different policies on how they use names, so reach out to them directly if you have questions.

Is there a downside to using Common App?

Con: It's Easy to Overdo It

It's important to still do your research and apply to colleges that align with your needs and goals. On the other hand, don't avoid applying to colleges that don't accept the Common App just because it may be more difficult or time consuming.

Do colleges see your activities on Common App?

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. It can show what makes you unique: your pursuits, interests, and passions.

Can colleges see when I submit my application?

Most colleges, though, will document when the student submitted the application - date and even the time. Be aware that they will know if you submitted the application at 11:59 pm on the deadline.

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.

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What happens if you want to apply to more than 20 colleges on Common App?

Information. 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.

Do colleges prefer their application or the Common App?

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.

What info can colleges see?

College Admission Officers Can Look at Social Media Accounts

As such, they can access social media profiles — from Instagram to TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook (if any students are on the platform anymore). And, in most cases, it's pretty easy to find a student's social media footprint.

Can colleges see my Snapchat?

Can colleges see your Snapchat messages? It's your Instagram – and your Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and any other social media feeds that colleges can see. And yes, they're looking. Get answers to the most important questions about what colleges want to see.

What happens if I submit my Common App late?

In most cases, unfortunately, once the deadline for a college application passes, the Common Application system will prevent any further submissions.

Who can see my Common App application?

Advisors can track your application progress and see PDF preview of your application, if you choose to share it. Every college can choose how many letters of recommendation to require. They can also determine which recommender types they accept.

Do colleges see the Common App PDF?

Colleges can choose to hide (or 'suppress') certain Common App answers on their PDF of your application. They will, however, still receive your answers that are not included in the PDF. These questions and answers can include: Any or all test information.

Should you put hobbies on Common App?

First, if you don't have traditional activities such as clubs or sports, you can include family responsibilities, work experiences, and hobbies. Think creatively when filling out the activities section and don't shy away from listing more unconventional activities.

Do any colleges not accept the Common App?

Not all schools accept the Common App. Colleges may require that you fill out their own application form or ask you to use another application system like ApplyTexas for Texas colleges.

How many essays are required for Common App?

Write only one essay (plus any supplements).

You'll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools. Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions. Check out the Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing!

How many colleges are you allowed to apply to on the Common App?

Keep in mind you may only add up to 20 colleges. You may adjust your list of colleges at any time. Once you've submitted, you will not be able to remove those schools from your My Colleges list.

Do colleges look at your TikTok?

Checking your TikTok is not a top priority for admissions officers. They're much more interested in your grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. It's unlikely that they'll choose to look at your feed, but crucial that you remember that they could.

Can colleges look at your private Instagram?

Set your social media to private: If you have your accounts on private, they can't impact decisions. Unless you specifically call out your social media accounts in your application, college admissions officers probably won't go looking for your profile.

Can colleges look at your text messages?

Everyone has a right to their private information, so school administrators cannot view things like text messages, emails, photographs, or other private information that the public does not have access to on a student's phone without consent.

Can colleges look at your private social media?

Colleges don't have access to your DMs or your accounts if they're set to private, but it's still worth being cautious. While something you posted might technically be private, a connection could take a screenshot and share it.

What are the early signs that you have been accepted into a university?

Should you delete social media before applying to college?

This is one option, but we don't recommend deleting your online presence entirely. While it's true that there have been cases where colleges have revoked acceptance letters due to inappropriate social media posts, most students will benefit from having an online presence.

Is using Common App a good idea?

The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 1,000 schools, including some colleges outside the U.S., helps streamline an essential part of the admissions process for students. Through the platform, first-time and transfer applicants can apply to multiple colleges at once.

What top schools use Common App?

All eight Ivy League schools — Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University — use The Common Application.

Why don t colleges use Common App?

While a huge number of universities use Common App, there are some that prefer other portals or have their own application system. Generally speaking, religiously-affiliated universities and military schools do not use Common App. A few public or state schools also prefer to use their own admissions application system.