Important things to know if you plan to start your college applications in July

However, to avoid wasting time, students need to know that

• Colleges have not all updated their application requirements and timelines for the 2021-2022 application cycle. Many are updating them now and almost all should be updated by August 1. If you get started on applications in July, make sure you do not use last years application requirements, essay prompts and timelines as they often change

• The Common App will shut down on July 28 and reopen for the 2021-2022 season on August 1. During this shut down the Common App will update its system with the 2021-2022 admission cycle requirements and deadlines. Some parts of the Common App that you start prior to August 1 will roll over with the update. Some will not.

What students can do during the month of July.

1. Start the Common App portion of the Common Application. Complete the portions that will roll over : Questions in the Common App Tab - profile, family, educations, testing, activities, writing, courses and grades

2. Get started on and possibly complete the Common Application Essay. The 2021-2022 Essay Prompts are below.

• 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.

• 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. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

If you’d like guidance with the common app, activities list, or the common app essay visit the services page or contact me to schedule a 15 minute call!