The Time Investment in Completing the Common Application
The Common Application is a significant step in the college application process. The amount of time it takes to fill out this application varies based on several factors, including your preparation, the number of schools you're applying to, and the complexity of your personal information and essays. This article will guide you through the typical time investment required to submit the Common Application, highlighting key sections and providing tips for efficient completion.
Understanding the Common Application
The Common Application is a universal platform that thousands of colleges and universities use for student applications. It streamlines the application process by centralizing all your personal, academic, and extracurricular information. Despite its convenience, filling out the Common Application demands a considerable amount of time and effort. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview and practical tips to help you manage your time effectively.
Breakdown of Time Investment
To estimate the time investment required to fill out the Common Application, we can break it down into key sections:
Basic Information
The first part of the Common Application typically includes your basic information, such as personal details, contact information, and academic history. While this section can be completed relatively quickly, it's crucial to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete. Generally, this section can be completed in 1-2 hours if your details are ready and properly organized.
Essays and Personal Statements
The essays and personal statements are often the most time-consuming part of the Common Application. These sections provide an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, experiences, and unique qualities. Crafting compelling essays can take 5-10 hours, depending on how much revision you need to do. It's advisable to start writing early, revise multiple times, and seek feedback from others before finalizing your work.
Additional Materials
The additional materials section includes letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other supplementary documents. This section typically takes 1-3 hours to complete. Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors, for example, need to be requested and gathered, while transcripts need to be obtained from your current school. If you’re applying to multiple schools, you’ll need to tailor your application for each institution, which can add to the time investment.
Tips for Efficient Completion
To make the process more manageable, consider the following tips:
Start Early: Begin working on your application well in advance of the deadline. This allows you time to gather all necessary documents, revision, and make any required edits. Organize Your Information: Before starting the application, compile all the necessary information and documents. Having everything ready in advance can save you time and reduce stress. Seek Feedback: Share your essay drafts with trusted individuals such as teachers, counselors, or mentors. Their feedback can be invaluable in refining your essays and highlighting your unique qualities. Prioritize and Plan: Create a detailed schedule to allocate specific times for each section. For instance, spend one session on writing the essays, another on gathering and organizing additional materials, and so on.Conclusion
Completing the Common Application is a significant commitment but one that can pay off in the form of streamlined applications to multiple colleges and universities. By understanding the time investment required and following the tips above, you can make the process more efficient and less stressful. Remember, the application is just the beginning of your journey to becoming a successful college student.
Good luck with your college applications!