International Students' Guide To Using Common App

The Common App is a centralised application portal that simplifies the college application process for international students by allowing them to apply to multiple schools from one central location. It is a non-profit organisation used by over 800 colleges and universities across the US, Canada, China and Europe. The Common App provides pertinent information about all the participating colleges, including application fees, standardised test requirements, and essay prompts. International students can benefit from fee waiver schemes and financial aid processes, although requirements and fees may vary by institution. The Common App also offers a convenient way to manage application requirements and deadlines, making it a popular choice for students applying to undergraduate programmes worldwide.

Application fees and fee waivers

The Common Application (or Common App) is a platform that allows students to apply to over 800 member colleges in the USA, as well as universities in Canada, China, and Europe (a total of 64 international institutes). The Common App is maintained by a non-profit organisation and is designed to make the application process convenient, fair, and accessible for students.

The application fee charged by the Common App varies depending on the school and the student's location. Schools have the option to charge the same fee for domestic and international students or to differentiate between the two categories. International students, defined as those with a permanent address outside the US, will have their payments processed by Flywire.

For students facing financial hardship, the Common App offers a fee waiver option. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need and show that paying the application fee would be a burden for them or their family. This can be done by meeting at least one of the following indicators of economic need:

• Enrolment in the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Annual family income falls within the range specified by the USDA and Nutrition Service as low-income (for a family of four, this was an income of less than $49,025 for the year 2021-2022)
• Received or eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver (please note that this option is only available to US citizens and international students residing in the US)
• Enrolled in a federal program for low-income families or receiving public assistance
• Living in subsidised public housing, under foster care, or experiencing homelessness

To apply for the fee waiver, students can request a Common App Fee Waiver in the Profile section of the application. Additionally, individual colleges may have their own fee waiver schemes, and students can also seek support from external organisations, such as non-profits or educational trusts, to help cover application fees.

English proficiency tests

The Common App is a platform that simplifies the college application process for both domestic and international students. It is used by over 800 colleges across 20 countries, serving more than a million students annually.

University Requirements

Each university sets its own standards for English proficiency, and it's essential to consult the specific requirements of your chosen institutions. Some universities may have specific test preferences or minimum score requirements. Understanding these requirements early in your application process will help you choose the most suitable test and set a target score.

Test Options

There are several recognised English proficiency tests accepted by universities worldwide. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Offered by the British Council, IELTS is widely recognised by over 10,000 organisations globally. It evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with scores ranging from 1 to 9. The speaking test is unique as it is conducted with a certified examiner, allowing for a more dynamic assessment of your language abilities.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL is commonly required for international students applying to English-speaking universities. It measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers and covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Like IELTS, TOEFL also uses a scoring system ranging from 1 to 9.
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency: This test is recognised internationally and provides a comprehensive assessment of your English language skills. It is slightly more expensive than the previously mentioned options, with fees varying by location.
• Duolingo English Test: This test has gained increasing acceptance from universities, especially after the pandemic. It offers a more affordable option for students and can be a good choice if you're on a budget.

Preparation and Practice

Remember, the best English proficiency test for you will depend on your budget, skills, and the specific requirements of your chosen universities. Don't hesitate to reach out to the universities for guidance or visit their websites for detailed information on accepted tests and score requirements.

Essay prompts

The Common Application essay is a chance for students to showcase their unique attributes and experiences. It is an opportunity to demonstrate to colleges something about themselves that cannot be found elsewhere in their application. While it can be challenging to find the right topic, make it engaging, and ensure it reflects a student's personality, the essay should ultimately focus on an aspect of the student's application that is not covered elsewhere—their personality.

Prompt #1

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, share your story. This is your chance to let your personality shine and show how your unique cultural background or deep passion has contributed to or shaped your identity. Focus on storytelling and bring the reader into your world, rather than just stating facts.

Prompt #2

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 explain how it affected you and what you learned from the experience. Admissions officers want to know how you handle challenges and setbacks, so be honest and reflective, showing how you have grown and developed as a result.

Prompt #3

Colleges want students who engage deeply with ideas and are willing to challenge their perspectives. Reflect on a moment when you spoke up about an issue, changed your perspective on a significant topic, or took a stand for something. Be sure to consider why this moment mattered and how it shaped your viewpoint. Remember that your reflection is more important than the outcome.

Prompt #4

Reflect on an act of kindness or generosity that someone has done for you, and how it made you feel happy or thankful in a surprising way. Discuss how this gratitude has affected or motivated you and changed the way you interact with the world. While it is important to show gratitude, keep the essay focused on your growth and response rather than just writing about the person you are describing.

Remember, there is no "best" prompt, and the most important thing is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you and allows you to showcase your unique story and perspective.

Deadlines

To ensure you don't miss any deadlines, it is essential to start the application process early. Begin by creating a list of your desired colleges and research their specific requirements and deadlines. This proactive approach will enable you to gather all the necessary documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores, well in advance. Additionally, be mindful of time zone differences when submitting applications; the deadline is always 11:59 p.m. in your local time zone, not the college's time zone.

The Common App allows students to apply to multiple colleges by filling out a single application form. However, each college may have unique requirements and deadlines, so it is crucial to pay close attention to these details. For instance, some colleges may require additional information from international applicants, such as proof of finances or translated documents. Others may have specific essay prompts or questions that differ from the standard Common App essay.

To stay organized, use tools like the Common App's mobile app, which helps you keep track of deadlines, invite recommenders, and set reminders. It is also advisable to give your teachers and counsellors ample time to submit recommendation letters and transcripts before the deadlines. Starting your application process early will not only reduce stress but also allow you to address any unforeseen challenges or queries that may arise during the application process.

Financial aid

Before applying for financial aid, you'll need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To do this, you must first create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) and an account. You can get an estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid using the Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Many colleges and universities also provide financial aid and scholarships from their own funds, sometimes for a particular field of study. Contact the financial aid office of your college or university of choice to find out more about the financial support they offer. You can also ask them about how they treat outside scholarships and what the implications are for your total financial aid package.

Scholarships are often awarded by individual colleges in recognition of academic performance, athletic excellence, a commitment to community service, or other unique talents. You can learn about these opportunities by visiting the college's admission and financial aid offices or websites. You can also find scholarship opportunities through local, regional, and national non-profit organisations. For example, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program and Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship award high-achieving students up to $40,000 annually for four years of undergraduate study.

Frequently asked questions