Application FAQs - Common Application Sections
Updated: Dec 13, 2022
The advantage of working with many students from different schools, backgrounds, and educational interests is that we get tons of questions thrown our way and access to a lot of information. Since ABL - always be learning - is our motto we want to share information from different common application sections.
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Profile Section - How do I get a common application fee waiver to help with the cost of application fees?
If you meet the eligibility requirements message or meet with your high school guidance counselor to confirm the school will assign you a fee waiver. Your application will not be considered complete unless your high school completes the fee waiver assignment.
Family Section- Is it important to know my parent's education status? Should I assume they completed college?
If you do not know your parent's education status do not assume anything. Schools are very interested in supporting first-generation college students. A first-generation college student is a student whose parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. Older siblings and other family members have non impact on being considered a first-gen student
Education Section - Colleges & Universities - What educational experiences are included?
If you have earned any college credit direct from a Univeristy or through dual enrollment be sure to complete this section. Also, don't forget adding any pre-college summer programs that do not offer course credits.
Education Section - Grades - I am not sure if I have a class rank, does it matter?
If you have a strong academic record it is in your interest to track down and know your weighted or unweighted class rank. While the relative level of class rank importance varies in the application review, some schools consider class rank Very Important, see class rank's level of importance as reported by each school's common data set. This information can be particularly helpful if you are not using other tools in your arsenal such as submitting SAT/ACT scores. If your school does not class rank you can sometimes still get an unofficial rank from your guidance counselor.
Education Section - Grades - If I am reporting a weighted GPA is the scale 5 vs 4?
Most likely you will be reporting on a 4.0 scale even if reporting a weighted GPA. Make sure you have the correct information based on your transcript through Junior year if applying early.
Education Section - Current or most recent year courses - Why do I report these, aren't they on my transcript?
These are your senior year classes for which you do not have grades. Therefore it is possible the courses will not be listed on your transcript. Be sure to report the rigor of your senior year curriculum correctly. Most importantly be sure you are taking a full academic schedule your senior year, even if you have all the courses you need already to obtain your high school diploma.
Education Section - Honors - What type of honors should I list here? For example, I was awarded MVP of my soccer team, do I list that?
While being awarded MVP is excellent, the Education Honors section is to list academic honors. The most obvious award that comes to mind might be the National Honor Society, but don't miss other options. For example, check your College Board account to see if you were awarded an AP Scholar designation. Also, by June of Junior year, if you have scored well on your PSAT, have a 3.5 and identify as an under-represented population or attend a small town or rural high school you can register for the College Board's National Recognition program.
Testing Section - Should I complete this section if I am applying test optional?
If you are applying only to schools that offer a test-optional application, your high school courses and grades are stronger than your test scores, and you do not plan on submitting scores with your application you do not need to complete this section
Testing Section - What do I do if I am applying to some schools test-optional and other schools with scores?
You have several options to report scores to schools.
Option 1 - Do not complete the testing section and submit official scores to applicable schools through your College Board or ACT account
Option 2 - Complete the testing section and toggle the "yes-no" reporting option on a school specific basis before submitting each application. Remember if a school requires official scores and you are submitting test scores, those schools need scores sent from your College Board or ACT account.
Testing Section - Should I submit my AP scores? They range quite a bit!
Students can self-report their AP scores on the common application and we recommend sending 4 and 5 scores. In cases where a school accepts a 3 score for college credit, you should report that score also. Admissions are most interested in the student's course rigor. Some schools will review AP scores as part of the application process. Other schools consider the course rigor but the AP score is not considered in the applicant's review.
If a student is required to submit AP scores through their College Board account and they want to suppress lower scores, they can do that but the process is cumbersome - completing a paper form and faxing the form to the College Board!
Courses and Grades Section - Why is a school on my list asking for me to manually input my high school transcript in the courses and grades section?
The courses and grades section helps admissions avoid filtering through and analyzing thousands of different types of transcripts. By completing the Courses and Grades section for schools such as University of Maryland and Purdue University, students do not have to rely on their high school guidance office to submit transcripts before the initial application review.