School Officials Update                                                   August 2014

Getting Started 

Some students start working on their application as soon as the system launches on August 1. Others take a bit more time to get into the swing of the school year before starting the application process. In either case, we are ready. As you send out your college counseling messages, be sure to share these tips on how to get started with the Common Application. Don't forget to pass them along to your parents and colleagues as well. 
Let us know if you have other tips or topics you want us to cover in future blog posts or newsletters. Send your ideas to us at so_update@commonapp.org or tweet to @commonapp.
 

Essays, Short Answers, and Conditional Questions
  

One important change for the 2014-15 application cycle is that Common App Member colleges and universities can ask for writing samples on either the Member Questions page or the Writing Supplement. Some applicants and counselors are finding it tricky to identify all of the writing samples a college might require, especially those that are triggered based on responses to other questions. 

 

The First-Year Writing Requirements Overview posted within the Recommender Help Center will help applicants and counselors identify whether a college requires writing of any kind. You may also want to share our latest blog post on this topic with your students.

 

 
 
Live Chat Now Available

 

Counselors using the Common Application Recommender System can now use the Live Chat function. The Live Chat icon is visible when logged in to your account. Chat is currently available from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Hours will be extended as the year progresses. 
 


Online Resources

  

The Recommender Help Center is accessible 24/7. The FAQs and knowledge base can be very useful in quickly finding information about trending topics.

The Training Resources tab includes several resources such as sample application forms, videos, and reference documents. Use these resources for any presentations, workshops, or training sessions that you are conducting for your students and parents, and for fellow teachers and counselors. 

 


Let's Connect in Indy

 

Are you going to be in Indianapolis for NACAC? We want to see you. There are several ways for us to connect:
 

Exhibit Hall - Booth 1129

Bring any and all questions and system enhancement suggestions to our booth in the Exhibit Hall. Tania, Michele, Andy, Sugath, Tracey and others on the Common App outreach, training, and support teams will be on hand to answer your questions, and if you'd like, show you how to complete specific system tasks.   
 

Common Application Education Session

Participate in a discussion about the role of the Common Application in reducing the barriers to college access.

Friday, September 19

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Convention Center
   

Common Application Reception

Continue the conversations with the Enrollment Deans, Admission Directors, and others from Common Application Member Institutions. 

Friday, September 19

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Hard Rock Caf�

49 S. Meridian St.