AXS Companion - A Free Resource for the Common App
I grew up in northern Wisconsin - a small town called Minocqua. I remember Labor Day was always an important holiday for me because it meant summer was over and it was time to go back to school.
My oh my have things changed!
Today there is absolutely no standard and many schools begin well before Labor Day. Now that I live near Denver I’m learning about the local school calendar and the Aurora Public School term opened on Tuesday, August 8. Wow! But that’s the way things are today.
August is a huge month for transitions. Students around the country are meeting new teachers and parents are back to navigating school drop off and pick up times. And of course there are the hundreds of thousands of new college students. Last weekend I visited Colorado State University in Fort Collins and they had just had thousands of new students move in to their residence halls. The campus was vibrant and it was so exciting to see them getting acquainted with their new community and school. August was always one of my favorite months when I worked in higher education because students and families are so excited!
At the same time, the cycle of college admissions doesn’t stop. When one class matriculates (a fancy word for enroll) it means there’s another class out there somewhere to focus on for the next year. And the cycle of campus visits, info sessions, mailers, admit and rejection letters continues. College admission counselors know this cycle extremely well as it is pretty much like a clock.
So why else is August important? It’s the official start of the next admission cycle as the Common App launches on August 1.
The Common App is utilized by over 1,000 higher education institutions and provides a single source for applying to many schools across the country. These member schools must be, according to the College Board:
not-for-profit
undergraduate degree-granting
accredited by regional or national accrediting authority acceptable to Common App
committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process
The AXS Companion - Your Common App Expert
The College Board provides a handy page where you can find all the Common App schools. This is one way you can start exploring schools although if you’ve been following my blog you know that there are many other free resources out there. So what are some of the possible benefits for going through the Common App?
Simplifies the Application Process: The Common App streamlines the college application process by allowing students to complete a single application that can be sent to multiple colleges and universities. This saves time and effort compared to filling out separate applications for each institution.
Application Components: The Common App includes sections for personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. It offers a holistic view of the applicant beyond just grades and test scores.
Essay Prompts: The Common App typically has essay prompts that students can choose from to showcase their writing skills and personal experiences. These essays play a crucial role in helping admissions committees understand the applicant's character and potential fit for the institution.
Application Fee Waivers: Many colleges accept fee waivers through the Common App for students who demonstrate financial need. This helps make the application process more accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Member Colleges: A wide range of colleges and universities, both in the United States and internationally, accept the Common App. The list of member institutions is available on the Common App website.
Deadlines: Each college sets its own application deadlines for the Common App. It's crucial to keep track of these deadlines and submit all required materials on time.
Recommendation Letters: Students can invite teachers, counselors, and other individuals to submit recommendation letters through the Common App. It's essential to give your recommenders ample time to complete these letters.
So how can you prepare for the Common App? Thankfully there is a really great resource called the AXS Companion that was created in partnership between the Oregon State University Ecampus and the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). I attended IECA’s Summer Training Institute this July and I can tell you that these people know what they are doing. IECA is made up of Independent Educational Consultants around the world, professionals who care deeply about helping students and families get the resources and support they need. I’m so happy to know many of them.
If you are a high school senior and considering Common App schools I have two tips for you.
First, get your Common App account.
Second, go to the AXS Companion and follow along as you learn about the Common App and how to rock it.
Boom - you’re on the way.
I empower college-curious and college-bound students and families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence for college success. I will guide you through the complexities of college admissions and beyond, so you can create your boundless life.
Have a question or comment? Please leave it in the comment section below or contact me at mark@mastalskicoaching.com.
There’s no one way to do college.
Be Boundless.
