The 2017-2018 Common App launched August 1. The Common App supplies you with some tidbits to get the ball rolling when using this handy app:
Roll your information over. If you had logged into the Common App prior to August 1st, you will be asked if you’d like to “roll it over”. If you choose “yes”, you will be walked through 3 steps in order to access your data. The 3 steps are as follows: To begin… Sign into your account using the same email and password that you created your account with. You will be asked a few questions and the roll over process will begin.
Check out your dashboard. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your dashboard simply because you will need to check it numerous times throughout the application process.
Look over your Common App account. You can click the “Common App” tab to begin crafting/continue crafting your application. You may find that some of your information such as questions as to your job, family, and some testing scores have failed to roll over—that’s completely normal. You are re-asked these questions because student’s answers tend to change from year-to-year.
Look over the updated essay prompts. You will find that in addition to the 5 essay prompts from last year, there are 2 more new ones. It would be wise to begin looking over them, thinking about which topic best suits you, and then begin thinking of ideas to make your essay stand out among the rest. Create the best work possible. Don’t allow yourself to feel rushed simply because the app went live August 1st. It’s imperative to take your time and pace yourself in order to produce the highest quality work. Also, don’t forget to have others review your work before submitting it. Know that Common App support is available to you 24/7. Help is only an email away: appsupport@commonapp.net . Additionally, you can follow @CommonApp & #CommonApp on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay in the loop regarding news and updates.
Happy applying! (Common App, 2017)