Applying to Private Universities

Mar 11

Private universities are different from the UC and CSU campuses. Private universities, such as USC, Stanford, Occidental, Harvard, etc., have their own applications, most of which can be accessed through the Common Application (Common App).

Deadlines for private universities vary and is different from the UC and CSU deadline, which is November 30th each year.

What is the Common App?

The common app is a platform home to over 700 schools (mostly private schools, but some are public). It’s an application process meant to reduce the stress that students face when applying to college by providing a platform used to organize and keep track of multiple applications.

The Common App opens its application in August and usually closes the period to submit your application in the first few months of the following year. You must also note that some schools hold early decision deadlines (usually due in November) or regular decisions. This all, of course, depends on the school you want to apply for. If you are unsure of what deadline there is, keep reading to find out!

What Colleges are Available through the Common App?

There are hundreds of schools you can apply to! Unfortunately, it would be challenging to list them all, so here is a handy dandy list of colleges you can explore! https://www.commonapp.org/explore/

Dates and Deadlines

The Common App opens every year on August 1st. Deadlines vary to the school you are applying to, but generally, there are 2 deadlines you can look out for:

Regular Deadlines
- Generally due on January 1st
Early Decision Deadlines
- Deadlines that allow individuals to submit applications early to be considered for merit-based scholarships!
- Generally due on November 1st

NOTE: Each school is different, and deadlines vary according to the school! Fortunately, if you know what college you want to apply for, Common App has a neat feature to remind you of upcoming deadlines. They also have an app available for download.

Personal essays: 7 Prompts, Pick 1

To better grasp an individual’s character aside from test scores and grades, you are required to submit one 650-word essay with a range of prompts:

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?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
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.

In addition to the essay, depending on the college you are applying to, they may require you to write supplemental essays. Supplemental essays/questions are additional writing pieces that allow students to express their personnel further and prove to universities why they would be a good fit for the school.

Writing essays can be difficult, so that is why FGE hosts monthly free workshops to improve your writing skills! TIP: Your essays aren’t limited to college applications. You can use them to apply for scholarships or internships! If you need someone to look over your essays, check out our upcoming workshops, our previously hosted workshops, or our Extra Set of Eyes program.

Improve your writing!

How to Describe Your Extracurricular Activities

Common App Application Steps

CREATE AN ACCOUNT
1. Use an email you use often to minimize lost emails and to always stay up to date
2. Fill out basic information
3. You are applying as “First Year Student.”
ADD DESIRED COLLEGES
1. Under the “my colleges” tab, you can add all the universities you are applying to. (Maximum number of colleges are 20)
2. For each university you will:
  1. Select desired major/program
  2. Apply for a fee waiver (if applicable)
  3. Complete college specific essays and/or supplements
  4. Invite the individuals who will write your letter of recommendation(s)
  5. Submit when you’re ready!
MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE THE REST OF THE COMMON APP
1. Profile: Enter name, contact info, geographical info, demographic info, etc. & apply for a Common App fee waiver
2. Family: Enter family size and household income before taxes
3. Education: Enter high school information and courses/grades. Have your transcripts in hand for this section
4. Testing: Enter SAT, ACT, SAT Subject, and AP Scores
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
1. Look over it and have a friend or a trusted adult look over it as well
2. Be aware of deadlines and submit it before the deadline