The Common App - when to start?

[Anonymous]

Can current HS Juniors start working on their Common App over summer break? Or do they have to wait until August? Is there certain, basic information that carries over? I'm not sure I understand how this thing works. Also, I saw 2018-2019 common app essay prompts were released in January: http://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/2018-2019-common-application-essay-prompts -- are those the prompts you would use when filling out the common app in 2018-19, for consideration of admission in the fall of 2019 - right? (as opposed to kids who are attending college as freshmen in 2018-19)? I feel like this is a dumb question, but I just want to double check. I'm also open to any common app tips/pointers, while we're on the topic. Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Yes, it carries over. The essays don't change much. There's some process for carrying the info over. Best to start early, bur don't make your kid crazy.

[Anonymous]

It resets on August 1 and not all the information rolls over.
https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/account-rollover-faqs

[Anonymous]

You really don't want to burden your DC with this until after school is out. Let him or her focus on finishing the semester strong!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It resets on August 1 and not all the information rolls over.
https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/account-rollover-faqs

This is helpful, thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You really don't want to burden your DC with this until after school is out. Let him or her focus on finishing the semester strong!

I meant that I'd like her to start working on filling out basics in the Common App and working on drafting her essay over this coming summer. She's got a pretty light summer planned and she'll be starting marching band at the beginning of August, which will take up a lot of her free time - especially once schools starts. So I'd rather have her focus on getting as much done in the summer as she can. I certainly don't mean for her to start on it now!

[Anonymous]

One thing to realize is that some schools are changing to the Coalition Ap. UMCP for example no longer take the common Ap so you might want to check some schools she might apply to.

[Anonymous]

Even just reading the Common App can help essay topics (or snappy first lines) percolate. Not that I think it's necessary to have a potentially viral essay, but I think it's easier to write something you're genuinely enthusiastic about, and that's easier if you have more than a week or two to get inspired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One thing to realize is that some schools are changing to the Coalition Ap. UMCP for example no longer take the common Ap so you might want to check some schools she might apply to.

I think I saw that JMU uses this. Is it just another platform like the Common App? That's so frustrating! I like the idea that you only have to put in all the general information once. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

Coalition App Members: http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/pdfs/coalition-members-040318.pdf

Common App also has this handy grid: http://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/common-application-requirements-grid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One thing to realize is that some schools are changing to the Coalition Ap. UMCP for example no longer take the common Ap so you might want to check some schools she might apply to.

I think I saw that JMU uses this. Is it just another platform like the Common App? That's so frustrating! I like the idea that you only have to put in all the general information once. Ugh.

And the essay limit is shorter for the Coalition

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Coalition App Members: http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/pdfs/coalition-members-040318.pdf

Common App also has this handy grid: http://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/common-application-requirements-grid

Handy!