Is there a downside to using Common App?

Are there any disadvantages to using the Common Application? The biggest one is that not all colleges accept it. You might be tempted to overlook some colleges you're interested in just because they're not listed on the Common App. Don't make this mistake.

Is there a disadvantage to the Common App?

5 Cons of Applying Through The Common Application

The Common Application often goes down around deadlines, particularly in the waning hours. That said, Common App.'s support desk is typically responsive and they have a track record of notifying applicants about the glitches and fixing them in short order.

Is it better to use Common App or apply directly?

Some colleges may accept all of these forms of applications and some schools may only accept one form. However, the Common Application is generally the best choice, as this application is most widely used across the country.

Does Common App lower your chances?

Some students worry that the Common Application may actually hurt their chances for acceptance. However, colleges and universities that accept the Common App sign a document stating that they will not favor the traditional, school specific application over other options.

Why do some colleges not use the 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.

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Do colleges prefer Common App or their own application?

Do Colleges Care if I Use the Common App or a Different Platform? Colleges that allow students to submit applications through multiple platforms don't have a preference on which one is used, but high school counselors might.

Do all Ivy Leagues require Common App?

Which Ivy League Schools Are On The 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.

Which GPA should I put on Common App?

If your school calculates both weighted and unweighted Class Rank/GPA, report the weighted value. If your school does not calculate a cumulative numerical GPA, or if it uses a GPA scale that is different than the options available in the drop down menu, leave the Cumulative GPA field blank.

What GPA goes on Common App?

We know that grades matter in college admissions. The Common App gives you a choice in adding your weighted GPA or unweighted GPA to your application.

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!

Is it good to submit a resume on Common App?

Not all college applications require a resume, but it's always good to submit a resume if it's an option. For example, the Common App only requires an activities list. However, you can still submit a resume, which can provide schools with a fuller picture of your academic performance, interests, and hobbies.

Does Common App tell you if you are accepted?

College decisions aren't released on the common application. Rather, admissions decisions are released in through each of the college's admission portals that you sign in using a username and password. Every year, students open up their acceptance letters in anticipation of the exciting outcome.

Do Common App recommendations go to every college?

Important note: The Common App for recommenders is a one-and-done process. That means that once you submit a form, it's sent to all the colleges you're assigned to. That's why it's important not to customize your forms for a specific institution.

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.

What's the GPA for straight A's?

If your school uses the traditional four-point grade scale, a 4.0 means you earned straight As. But if your school uses a weighted scale, you can get a 4.0 even if you get Bs in advanced classes.

Is a 4.3 GPA good on a 5.0 scale?

A 4.3 GPA on a weighted 5 scale is an excellent GPA, indicating strong academic performance.

Is a 3.7 GPA good for college applications?

A 3.7 GPA is a very good GPA, especially if your school uses an unweighted scale. This means that you've been earning mostly A-s in all of your classes. If you've been taking high level classes and earning a 3.7 unweighted GPA, you're in great shape and can expect to be accepted to many selective colleges.

What happens if you put the wrong GPA on Common App?

Contact Admissions at every school you applied to. Inform them of this error ASAP. Granted, they should spot the error when reviewing your transcript, but better to own up to the error than be considered a fraud. This should be a lesson to you to more thoroughly proofread documents before submitting them.

Is a 3.7 unweighted GPA good in high school?

If you are a high-school student, you must be thinking is a 3.7 GPA good score. You would be happy to know that it is an excellent score. With this score, you present yourself as a competitive and capable candidate. In the future, you can take up more challenging courses to further improve your grades and performance.

Should I put 3 AP scores on Common App?

The first thing that you should do is check the AP Score credit policy for the colleges that you are applying to. If they will give you credit for the 3, then by all means report it! On the other hand, if they only give credit for a 5 on that exam (not even for a 4), you may want to hold off.

Will one C ruin my chances of Ivy League?

With all of that being said, it's unfortunately very rare to get into an Ivy League school with C's during your freshman year, or at any time during your high school career. Yes, there are exceptions but it's never a good idea to hinge your hopes on the very small chance that something might happen.

Can I get into Harvard with 2 B's?

Can you get into the Ivy League with mostly A's and a couple of B's? Yes, you can get into top schools with some B's, but it depends on the rest of your academic profile. And you should be asking yourself a few different questions about your high school GPA for a better understanding of your chances.

Can I get into an Ivy with no extracurriculars?

Can I Get Into the Ivy League Without Extracurriculars? While having strong extracurricular activities can significantly enhance your chances of admission to Ivy League schools, it is possible to get accepted without them.

How many colleges should you apply too?

In general, most students apply to between 8 and 12 colleges. This is a good range to aim for, provided that the applications you submit represent a broad variety of colleges. Ideally, you want to apply to at least two safety, four target, and two reach schools.

How long is the Common App essay?

The Common App essay word count range is 250-650 words. But just how long should your statement be? Admissions Blog advises aiming for around 500 words.