The Common Application is an online student application portal shared by many US private colleges and universities. Similarly, the University of California system uses an online application portal for all its public campuses in one. While the Common App is much larger (more than one million students each year) than the UC App (on the order of a quarter of a million users), both systems allow students to access their official fall application pages in August. If you’re applying to colleges in 2023, chances are you’ll submit one or both! To help you prepare, let’s discuss the main components of a college application, the differences between the two application systems, and what you can expect going into the process. 

What matters on the college application? 

Common college application components typically include the following elements. If you’re a high school student aiming to continue your education in college or beyond, start collecting these items as soon as you can! Some of these components won’t be available—or really even relevant—until later in your high school career. Nonetheless, the materials and grades you earn now will ultimately determine how your final application will look.

Application Form: 

This is the main part of the application information, where you provide your personal information, contact details, educational history, and other broad details.

Transcripts: 

These are official records of your academic performance, usually provided by your high school. They include your grades and GPA from all of the high school classes you complete up until you submit your application.

Test Scores: 

Some colleges require standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. Not all colleges require these, especially in recent years. Nonetheless, if you submit your test scores, follow official guidelines to ensure your reports are valid. This also goes for AP and IB tests and other certificate programs. 

Letters of Recommendation: 

These letters come from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who know you well academically or personally and can attest to your qualities and capabilities. Think carefully about which mentors in your life could write this for you, and prepare to ask plenty of time in advance.

Personal Statement or Essay: 

Many colleges require you to write an essay or personal statement. The written portion is your chance to showcase your personality, experiences, goals, and why you’re a good fit for the college. Always take time to proofread before you submit to ensure your writing is free of grammatical and spelling errors. 

Extracurricular Activities: 

For this section, you’ll need to craft a list of your involvement in clubs, sports, community service, and other activities outside of academics. These short descriptions are also a chance to highlight your most impressive accomplishments and achievements.

Resume/CV: 

Some applications ask for a detailed resume or curriculum vitae that outlines your achievements, work experience, leadership roles, and skills. It’s best to have this on hand for reference rather than scramble to find the information later.

Interviews: 

Some colleges might offer interviews (either in-person or virtually) to learn more about you and your fit for their institution. Some colleges even offer interviews over the phone or via video conference. These meetings allow you to connect with the admissions team and share more about yourself.

Portfolios: 

If you’re applying for programs in the arts, architecture, design, or other creative fields, you might need to submit a portfolio showcasing your work. 

Supplemental Essays: 

In addition to the main personal statement, some colleges require additional essays specific to that institution. These essays often focus on why you want to attend that particular school.

Application Fee or Fee Waiver: 

There is often a non-refundable application fee, but fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need.

Similarities and differences between the Common App and the UC Application

As you now know, the Common Application (Common App) and the University of California Application (UC Application) are both widely used platforms for applying to colleges and universities in the United States, but they have some key similarities and differences.

You can find the 2023 Common App website here: https://apply.commonapp.org/login 

You can find the 2023 UC application website here: https://apply.universityofcalifornia.edu/my-application/login 

Similarities:

• Online Platforms: Both the Common App and UC Application are online platforms that allow students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application.
• Basic Information: Both applications require you to provide your personal information, educational history, and details about your extracurricular activities.
• Transcripts and Test Scores: Both applications allow you to upload your high school transcripts and submit standardized test scores.
• Activities and Work Experience: You can list your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and employment history on both platforms.

Differences:

• Number of Schools: The most significant difference is the scope of the applications. The Common App is used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and around the world. In contrast, the UC Application is specifically for the University of California system, which includes campuses like UCLA, UC Berkeley, and others.
• Essays: Both applications require essays, but the prompts and format differ. The Common App typically has a main personal statement essay and additional supplemental essays for each college. The UC Application has a set of personal insight questions that applicants need to respond to.
• Application Fees: Application fees vary, and the Common App provides fee waivers for eligible students. The UC Application has its own fee structure.
• Additional Materials: The Common App allows you to submit additional materials like recommendation letters and portfolios directly through the platform. The UC Application, on the other hand, does not typically require letters of recommendation, although some campuses may offer the option to submit them.
• Test Score Policy: The Common App allows you to self-report test scores, whereas the UC Application requires official test scores to be sent directly from the testing agency.
• Campus-Specific Information: The UC Application requires you to indicate which specific UC campuses you’re applying to and answer campus-specific questions. The Common App also has a section for campus-specific supplements, but it’s not as structured as the UC Application.
• Deadlines: The UC Application and Common App have different deadlines. The UC Application usually has a specific application window, while Common App deadlines can vary by college.

In summary, while both the Common App and UC Application are designed to simplify the college application process, they have distinct differences in terms of the range of colleges they cover, essay prompts, application requirements, and deadlines. It’s important to carefully review the specific requirements of each application for the colleges you’re interested in applying to.

What can you expect going into the college application process? 

It’s important to note that not all colleges require every component we discussed above. The specific requirements vary widely depending on the college, so read the instructions carefully. Always check the application requirements for each college you’re applying to, as they can change from year to year.

Finally, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. There’s a lot to remember; and that’s on top of your current classes, clubs, and social activities! Rather than get lost in the shuffle—or wait until it’s too late—reach out for help. Empowerly is here to help teenagers find their best path forward in life and help students become the most successful version of themselves. Reach out to learn more about how our incredible community achieves their goals.