Lana Oconnell
The Common App is a centralised platform that simplifies the college application process for both domestic and international students. It is a non-profit organisation that provides a single portal for students to apply to multiple colleges, removing the need to navigate multiple, school-specific portals. The Common App is free to use, but individual colleges will usually require an application fee, which may differ for domestic and international students. International students may be eligible for a fee waiver in cases of financial hardship. The application process requires students to submit personal information, including their name, date of birth, address, language, and citizenship status, as well as information about their parents or guardians. Additionally, international students may need to meet additional requirements, such as providing proof of finances, translated documents, and English proficiency test scores. The Common App also provides a list of essay prompts for students to choose from and write an essay as part of their application. Overall, the Common App offers a convenient and accessible way for international students to explore their higher education options and apply to colleges worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colleges and universities | Over 800 |
| Number of countries | 20 |
| Number of students served annually | Over 1 million |
| Application fee | Free to use, but each college or university will typically require an application fee. |
| Fee waiver | Available for those facing financial hardship |
| Application process | One single portal |
| Personal information | Name, date of birth, address, language, citizenship status, etc. |
| Additional documentation | Proof of finances, translated documents, school leaving scores, etc. |
| Essay prompts | 6-7 |
| Supplemental questions | "Why this school?" or "What will you bring to this campus?" |
| Letters of recommendation | Required |
| English proficiency tests | Required for international students |
| Extracurricular activities | Sports, clubs, volunteering, etc. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
International student application requirements
International students applying through the Common App should be aware of several requirements that may differ from domestic applicants. Firstly, international students will typically need to meet additional requirements and provide further documentation, such as proof of finances and translated documents. These may include personal details such as name, date of birth, address, language, and citizenship status. Certain colleges may also require information about your parents or guardians, including their educational backgrounds.
English proficiency tests are often mandatory for international student applicants. It is important to review the guidelines for your chosen colleges ahead of time, as some schools may require that you meet a certain score. Additionally, international students may be asked to provide their school-leaving scores, such as Senior Secondary results for Indian students.
The Common App provides a list of essay prompts, generally centred around your history, accomplishments, interests, or other topics you find interesting. As an international student, you may encounter more school-specific prompts, such as "why this school?" or "what will you bring to this campus?". Letters of recommendation from counsellors, advisors, coaches, or teachers who can speak to your overall achievements are also typically required.
Most colleges charge an application fee, which may differ for domestic and international students. However, international students facing financial hardship may be eligible for a fee waiver. It is important to note that each college has its own policies regarding these waivers and may request additional information or deny the waiver.
Finally, extracurricular activities are an important part of your application. Be prepared to list and describe up to 10 activities outside of academics, such as sports, clubs, or volunteering experiences. Planning ahead and gathering the required documentation, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, is crucial for a strong application.
CARES Act: International Students' Eligibility Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Application fees for international students
The Common App is a centralised application system that simplifies the college application process for students, especially international students, by allowing them to apply to multiple institutions from one location. Over 800 colleges and universities across 20 countries use the Common App, and it is most popular in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Regarding application fees for international students, it is up to each college or university to decide whether to charge the same fee for domestic and international students or to differentiate between the two categories. More than 250 institutions do not charge an application fee, and this information is clearly stated in the college search on the Common App platform. For those that do charge a fee, international students (those with a permanent address outside the US) will use Flywire to process their payments.
If the application fee presents a financial hardship, students can request a fee waiver on the Common App. To qualify for a fee waiver, students must provide financial information or proof of financial need. The Common App fee waiver will apply to all colleges the student applies to via the platform, although individual schools can request further information or deny the waiver if they choose.
In addition to the Common App fee waiver, students with financial need can apply for a NACAC Application Fee Waiver Form to access financial assistance and free applications to colleges.
International Students: Government IDs, What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
English proficiency tests
The Common App was designed to simplify the college application process for international students, who can use it to apply to multiple colleges from one central location.
When completing the Common App, you will be asked about the number of languages in which you are proficient. This question is meant to inform the admissions committee about the diverse traits of their applicants. You will be asked to specify a minimum of one and a maximum of five languages in which you are proficient.
The Common App also asks about your proficiency in English specifically. This is because English proficiency is a requirement at most colleges that accept the Common App. You will be asked to self-report your proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. It is important to be honest about your actual skill level. For example, if you are taking French in high school and have spent a month in France, it would be reasonable to say you are proficient in French on your application. However, if you have been taking Mandarin for four years but are not comfortable holding a conversation in the language, you can probably leave it off.
To gauge your reading proficiency, try reading a text in English. If you read substantially slower than you do in your native language, or frequently need to use Google Translate, you are likely not proficient. As a note, this test generally excludes more technical or specialized texts, as it’s likely that you’ll encounter unfamiliar terms and concepts regardless of language. To assess your writing proficiency, ask yourself whether you can write emails and other content so the writing flows.
Work-Study Eligibility: International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Essay prompts and supplemental questions
The Common Application, or Common App, is a platform that allows students to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities in the US, Canada, Japan, China, and Europe. The application includes a personal statement and supplemental essays, with a word limit of 650 words.
The Common App essay prompts are designed to help colleges understand your experiences and imagine the type of student you may become. The prompts typically remain the same from year to year, with minor changes. Here are some examples of essay prompts:
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. Describe your unique background, identity, interest, or talent, and explain what it reveals about your values.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure, and reflect on what you learned from the experience.
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking, and what was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that made you feel grateful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Colleges may also include supplemental essay prompts in the Application Questions or Writing Supplement sections. These prompts may be hidden until you answer a question about your intended major, so be sure to answer these questions early in the application process. Some colleges may also ask about any disciplinary history, so be honest and briefly explain what happened and what you learned from the experience.
In addition to the prompts, some colleges may require you to submit additional materials, such as a graded paper from your junior or senior year that demonstrates your writing skills and analytical abilities.
Passport Rules for International Students on Domestic Flights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Letters of recommendation
Firstly, identify who you want to ask for a letter of recommendation. This could be a teacher, advisor, employer, internship supervisor, or coach. Consider individuals who can speak to your unique qualities and highlight your qualifications and accomplishments.
Once you have identified your recommenders, reach out to them and make your request. Some teachers may ask you to fill out a questionnaire, while others may prefer to schedule a meeting to discuss your accomplishments, goals, and future plans. If an in-person meeting is not feasible, sending a thoughtful email is also appropriate. In your request, be sure to include specific anecdotes or examples of projects/assignments that you are proud of, as this will help your recommender write a more personalized letter.
It is important to note that you can submit your application via the Common App before your recommenders submit their letters. This means that you should not delay your application while waiting for letters and should proactively check in with your recommenders to ensure they submit their letters on time.
Finally, remember that your recommenders are likely familiar with the process and have written numerous letters before. Don't be nervous about asking for their support, and trust that they will advocate for you effectively in their letters.
Aerospace Studies: International Student Opportunities
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Common App is a centralised application portal that allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once. It is used by over 800 colleges in the US, Canada, China and Europe. International students can use the Common App to apply to US colleges by creating an account, adding colleges to their "My Colleges" list, and submitting their applications. They may also need to meet additional requirements, such as providing proof of finances and submitting translated documents.
In addition to the Common App essay, international students may need to provide proof of English proficiency, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal information such as their name, date of birth, address, language, and citizenship status. They may also need to report their school-leaving scores, such as Senior Secondary results for Indian students. International students should review the requirements of each college they are applying to and plan ahead, as certain requirements may take time to obtain.
The Common App itself is free to use, but each college or university will typically require an application fee. The fee may differ for domestic and international students, and some colleges may waive the fee for international students in cases of financial hardship.
