QUESTION: I've heard about the convenience of using the Common Application. I can print the form as many times as I want and send the copies to the colleges that accept it.
However, I still have to gather the original applications of all the schools I plan to apply to since I don't know whether some of the colleges have an application supplement or school report supplement other than the Common Application. Is that correct?
Also, how am I going to know the essay topics of each school if I don't get the original applications? I know Harvard accepts the Common Application, but I don't see the point in using it because I will eventually have to look at Harvard's original application to see if they require application supplements and essay questions that are not on the Common Application.
What is the point of using the Common Application? Signed, Common Application Protestor
Dear Common Application Protestor: As you've pointed out, the Common Application is designed to save you time by allowing you to complete a single form that can be used to apply to many colleges. Over 200 colleges accept the Common Application. In addition to this handy form, however, some colleges require additional supplemental forms. These supplemental forms let the colleges ask you questions that specifically pertain to their college.
Fortunately, you can find out on the Common Application Web site at
http://www.commonapp.org which colleges accept the Common Application and which require additional supplemental forms. There are also links to the additional forms at the Web site. This means that you don't have to get the original forms in order to apply.
Even though some colleges require supplemental forms, the Common Application can still save you time. Instead of listing your achievements on a number of application forms, you only need to list them once.
To further help you save time, in "Get Into Any College" (available at
http://www.supercollege.com/store) we use a technique called "Essay Recycling" that shows you how to use a very small number of well-written essays to apply to an almost unlimited number of colleges regardless of the specific questions asked. You can even see the power of recycling in Chapter 6 where one student modified a single essay to answer the different questions posed by Harvard, Princeton, Pomona and Stanford. So you don't necessarily have to write a totally original essay for each question you are asked. Keep in mind that you need to edit your work and your essay needs to answer the question asked.
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