10 Tips for completing the Common Application

The Common App is convenient as it allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities at once with the same inputted information and college essay.

As convenient as the Common App may be, many students make mistakes inputting their information. Here are some tips on how to avoid typical mistakes.

1. Deadlines: The Common App goes live on August 1st of each year. So a student can start to submit any time after that especially for a school that has rolling admissions or early decision or early action. Keep track of deadlines. It is very important to not miss a deadline or you will miss out on submitting your Common App.

2. Personal Information: A student must input their personal information about basic information. It is important that the student ask a parent or guardian for any information they may need to complete this section accurately. (Typically, a student doesn’t know when their parent graduated from college, for example.)

3. Activities Section: The goal of the activities section is to share with the Admissions Committee your involvement in extracurricular involvement. Activities should be organized from the most important to the least important. There are ten spots to list activities. Use these spots wisely. A student only has a limited space to describe each activity. Write your description clearly.

4. Common App Essay: The student will submit a 650 word essay answering one of the prompts listed on the Common App. Copy/paste the essay into your common app. Do not attach a document. This does not always work. The essay should be a non-fiction personal narrative. The essay should share a part of you that is not found anywhere else on the application and that only you can write.

5. Resume: Not all schools ask for a resume to be submitted but if a school does, definitely submit one. It will help explain your activities, honors and accomplishments in more detail than the activities section of the Common App.

6. Standardized Tests: Most colleges and universities have stayed test optional. But if you decide to submit your SAT or ACT score, it should be within the 50% percentile of what the college looks for. Average test scores have gone up due to schools being test optional so be wise about whether you submit your score.

7. Supplemental Essays: Students will be able to review whether or not a college or university asks students to respond to a supplemental essay prompt(s). These are specific to each school. Be sure that if a school says it’s optional to submit anyway. Be as specific as possible when answering supplemental essay questions. Stay on point.

8. Proofread: Make sure to proofread your Common App answers. Have a parent, teacher or school counselor read through your application.

9. Email Address: Please use an appropriate email address when applying to college. Do not use your high school email address. If you need to create a new address, please do so. This is how admissions offices communicate with you; they will send you an email to check your admissions portal/account.

10. Last, make sure to hit submit! Some students forget to make the time to submit their Common App. Set time aside to submit your Common App. Good Luck!

Parenting tips 101: how to get through the college admissions cycle.

Many parents reach out to me seeking guidance and advice on how to navigate parenting through the college admissions process. Here is what you, as a parent, can focus on.

1. If you are positive about your teen, then your teen will be positive about themself. Focus on helping guide your teen, not tell them, what they need to do, should do, or must change to become a successful applicant to a college. How you talk to your teen, talk about your teen in front of them and how you react to your teen’s mistakes directly affects how they feel about themself. Your teen is not an outcome or trophy.  The student is a human.

2. If you attempt to be too involved in the college application process, then your teen will feel like they are not capable of handling it themself. Don’t be a snowplow parent. Do not ask too many questions and nag. You are not applying to college, they are. Do not re-write their essays. Let them write. Admissions representatives can certainly tell if a 17-year old or a 47-year-old wrote the essays.

3. Assist your teen in creating a balanced college list with equal number of likely, target and reach schools. This will give them the best opportunity of having multiple options to choose from once decisions arrive. A list with too many reach schools is unrealistic and does not work.

4. Do not read social media ‘college admissions’ accounts on Facebook. That’s essentially falling down a rabbit hole of wrong information. It will cause you added stress  which will then cause your student stress too.

5. Don’t make every conversation about college admissions. Enjoy your last year with your teen at home. Enjoy senior year and let the college admissions process happen naturally.

6. Help your teen create a calendar so they have their time organized for when to do everything in a timely manner. Timelines help both the parent and teen feel grounded.

7. Let your teen make mistakes. He needs to learn how to build character, problem solve and build self-confidence.

8. When your teen lands on a college campus, he will inevitably face new problems in life. How will they have the needed skills to  problem solve, deal with homesickness and/or approach a teacher about a question if they never had the chance to do so in high school? There is no perfect teen. There is no perfect applicant. There is no perfect parent.

Supplemental Essays: The Why

So, why do schools ask you to write additional essays? Here is a summary of why and how to construct a strong supplemental essay.

 Supplemental essays can vary in substance, length and in question. But overall, the supplemental essay is asking ‘why.’ The supplemental essay’s job is to effectively show why you, the applicant, would like to attend this university in particular.

1.     Make the connection as personal as possible.

If a supplemental essay is asking you to explain why you’d be a good fit on campus or how you would add to the campus community use this prompt to discuss the following.

Make the connection between the place and the personal through discussing a specific moment, conversation or take away while:

A.     Visiting campus

B.     Interviewing with an admissions representative or alumnus

C.     Conversing with a college fair representative

D.    Meeting with a coach, professor or administrator

2.     Answer the question with specificity. If the college is asking you to answer a unique question. One of Villanova’s previous supplemental essays asked the student to identify which year he would like to travel back to and why. This type of question should be answered with a unique interest or historical moment that is of importance to the applicant and explain why.  Be creative!

3.     Do not repeat information from the common application essay. Use the supplemental essay to write about the connection between you and the college, and why. Do not repeat.

4. If a supplemental essay is optional, I highly recommend answering and submitting your essay response. Going above and beyond is always looked highly upon.

Want to know my secret’s to how to answer these in more detail, contact me here.

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

There are up to four different ways a college or university can request your high school course list and grades. One of method is called the SRAR- Self-Reported Academic Record.

Some colleges require you to use the SRAR as part of your application process, which allows you to enter your academic history directly into their system rather than send official transcripts right away. This makes the process easier and faster.

How Does the SRAR Work?

Some colleges will ask you to create a SRAR account and input your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. This means you’ll need to be accurate and thorough when entering all of your high school courses, GPA and any 12th-grade courses you’ve completed or are currently taking.

You can use an unofficial transcript or online report card to help fill in the SRAR. The SRAR may also give you the option to self report your test scores from college entrance exams like the SAT, depending on what that particular university requires.

Important Steps to take during the transitional summer between 10th and 11th grade

The first two years of high school are for trying new things and/or expanding upon interests or activities you have already identified in middle school. During the second semester of sophomore year, students should start to think about mapping out their junior year now or at the latest during the summer leading into junior year and here’s why.

1. The ACT or SAT need to be taken at least once during Junior year. Therefore, you need to take the time to figure out which test is the right one for your student. The student should take a practice assessment for each to determine which test feels right as they are very different. (See attached diagram)

   1. Once you identity the test you want to take, look at when the test is offered throughout the academic year and see when is the best time for your student to take the test. You will then want to work backwards and prep for the exam. This takes planning. So start now, the summer before junior year, to think is all through. www.collegeboard.org (SAT) and act.org (ACT)

2. College visits: This is another task during junior year that takes planning. But what needs to happen prior to planning visits is a self exploration and reflection upon which schools would be best for the student to visit. College visits take time and money. Information sessions and tours are typically conducted only Monday-Friday so parents needs to take a day from work do accomplish these trips. So, take the time to map out where is the best schools to visit prior to the beginning of junior year.

   I work with families and students to help identify where to go visit and why. I provide strategies and tips on how to make most of your on campus visits and what to do and ask while on campus.

3. Use your summer leading into 11th grade to build upon skills while doing something of interest. I could write a novel about the reason why, but DM me for details. Follow your strengths and interests. This my best advice.

Essential Tips for writing your college essay.

The common app essay is a unique part of your college application. Aside from your transcript, application, and test scores (possibly), it is one of the only parts of the application that can show a part of who you are that stands a part from the rest of the other applicants. It is your voice. I have helped hundreds of students write their essay.

Here is my advice and my tips for how to write an amazing essay!

1. The essay should tell an authentic story about you. You have complete control over this part of your application.

2. Admission committees do not take a long time to read and review each application. Therefore, an essay that ‘hooks’ the reader will stand out in the admission officer’s mind, for whom, will inevitably, be the person that delivers and discusses your application to the committee.

3. Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. I repeat, don’t write what you think they want to hear. Your entire application should be about you, not someone who you think they’ll accept.

4. Do not repeat any information about you that has already been communicated in other parts or your application.

5. Speak directly. Your voice will be heard. Discuss parts of you that you are most proud of.

Here is a quick outline of how to go about creating your essay.

1. Writing is a process. Have patience. Many students have been asked to write a personal narrative. If so, you can refer back to that assignment to help you start the process of your college essay. It should take at least 3 to 4 drafts for a well-crafted essay.

2. Take time to choose the right topic. A unique quality about you, experience or event should be discussed but it should be relevant to who you are today and who you want to become in the future. So, take time to write down a number of topic ideas. Think about them and start a draft of one or a few of your ideas. Over time, you will see which topic stands out and for which you feel most passionate about.

3. The idea you chose to write about should be simple. Simple.

4. Share a piece of who you are and reflect: For example, I am a listener. I like to ask questions and take the time to listen. At one of my first jobs, I realized that I enjoyed advising and working with students because I am a person in their life that listened to their thoughts and problems. It has helped me to be a strong student advocate, counselor and teacher.

5. The essay has a  650 word maximum. Make sure you are answering the essay prompt. 

6. Have a teacher or counselor review your essay.

7. Ensure that you have carved out time over the entire summer to dedicate to working through each stage of the writing process. Manage your time. You’ve got this!

8. Want personal help with your essay? Suzanne uses a one-of-a-kind exercise to help generate a unique topic for each student to write about. Contact her here to inquire about working with her.

Here is the website for the common app essay prompts:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

Personalized Experience with Lagemann College Consulting

The difference your student and family will receive when working with Lagemann College Consulting is summarized in one word: personalized.

1. Personalized Effort:

   Suzanne gives her clients a personalized experience. She takes the time and gets to know each and every student she works with. She attends their theatrical performances, sporting competitions and when they are not local, she asks if they can send her footage so she can watch from afar.

   Why is this important? Because leading up to the application process, Suzanne can then give the student help that is personal and specific to that individual. A different college admissions counselor who does not take the time to get to know the student would be able to provide the same personalized approach.

   For example, when assisting students with their supplemental essays, Suzanne can pull from the student’s personal experience more easily because she knows the student well. Supplemental essays are specific prompts that need to be answered in a very direct, personal manner in order to be successful. She combines this technique with a few other secret strategies to optimize her students chance for admission.

   2. Pesonalized Advising and Counseling:

   She listens to her students and hears what are the student’s interests, worries and concerns. Whether the student is in 8th grade or a sophomore in college, Suzanne has experience from almost 30 years of working with teens and college students both in and out of the classroom in higher education to help counsel them through whatever issue they are dealing with. She lifts up her students emotionally while helping to keep them grounded at the same time. These are tools anyone can use throughout life.

   Why is this important? Teens and college age students need to be heard. They trust Suzanne and she wants them to feel that she is an advocate for them and a mentor and counselor through college and beyond. Suzanne stays in touch with her students after they matriculate for many reasons as life does not stop after they are accepted and commit to a school. She combines her teaching and counseling skills to provide assistance well into their college years.

   For example, recently, Suzanne was on a call with one of her students who attends a large private university in the northeast and he just decided to start the pre-med track. Suzanne suggested a few ideas for what he could do outside the classroom to enhance his clinical experience both for his own knowledge and experience and for his medical school applications. She always gives the student a small follow up to-do so they stay on track and reports back to her.

   And she adds in some fun and humor to every conversation!

The W-Curve and the First Year of College Experience

As a first year student success seminar professor for many years, I discussed the W-Curve with my students early in the semester and continued to refer to it throughout to help them reflect, connect and move forward in their life, both in and out of the classroom.

What is the W-Curve Theory?

The W-Curve Theory is a predictable pattern of stages which occurs when a person experiences life changes, such as starting college. Zeller and Mosier (1993) found that the W-Curve could be applied to the first-year college student experience, in particular the first semester transition. The theory helps students understand that making the transition to college has culture shock aspects to it and helps normalize the transition. Therefore, they can process and adapt to their new environment and chosen school easier.

Here are the stages of the W-Curve Theory

1. Honeymoon

   1. Honeymoon starts with an overall feeling of general excitement and positive anticipation starting before they leave (they receive mail and housing assignments, etc.)

   2. It’s common for students to start to feel homesick mixed in with all the fun in the beginning of a new chapter in life.

2. Culture Shock

   1. The newness of college begins to wear off.

   2. Begin to deal with the reality of the adjustment- roommate issues, eating in the cafeteria, fining a group of friends.)

   3. Academic adjustments need to take place in order for the student to make a success transition to college. (Finding classes, large lecture halls, clarify note taking, tests).

   4. Feelings of homesickness may increase.

   5. This is a period of positive change when the person undergoes self-reflection, personal conflict and some anxiety.

3. Initial Adjustment

   1. This is when first year students feel a general upswing in emotions

   2. They have successfully managed many of the issues that come up.

   3. Overcome the culture shock and have started to develop a general sense of well being.

   4. Develop a positive routine.

   5. Routine develops a sense of normalcy and schedule.

   6. Conflicts may come and go but students are now feeling more in the swing of things.

4. Mental Isolation

   1. First year students develop a feeling of homesickness, especially after they return to campus after a long extended break.

   2. They feel a sense of emotional isolation.

   3. The initial euphoria of being a college student has worn off.

   4. The realities of dorm life, campus culture and school work has set in that this is the new norm.

   5. Reflecting on your own self-identity both ethnically, religiously and sexiual orientation occurs.

   6. Analyzing your values and beliefs occurs

5. Acceptance, Integration and Connectedness

   1. Develop a history on campus with friends, teammates and colleagues, a new sense of self and acceptance develops.

   2. A balance between what’s foreign and normal occurs.

   3. A true sense of acceptance, integration and connectedness happens on campus.

Dear College Bound Student, This blog is for you…

Dear College Bound Student,

As usual, it has been a pleasure to work with you, see you grow and watch you through your final years of high school and prepare for the next step in life. I have a few pieces of advice to share. After being a first year seminar professor for many years and from working with teens for decades, I’ve learned a few things. The overarching theme is to gain social capital while in college! Here is what I mean-

1. Go to Office Hours: What are office hours? Professors and TA (teaching assistants) hold office hours either once or twice a week. They sit in their office and you can either stop by or meet with them virtually to discuss a recent paper you just received back, your overall grade, a question you may have or to gain guidance on how to navigate college in general. Establishing relationships with faculty will help you succeed in college, create connections outside of the classroom, effectively demonstrate communication skills and possibly build rapoire with a teacher who you might need to ask to write a letter of recommendation for either an internship, job or course.

2. Find a mentor: This can potentially be the result from attending office hours! But if not, seek out your academic advisor, coach, professor or another administrator such as a dean who is willing to work with you through college. A mentor can really coach you through the ups and downs of college life.

3. Build Social Capital across groups: This is key. Don’t just have one click of friends. Not only does that limit your social life but this limits your social connections that later in life could be a connection to an internship or potential job offer. Have friends in different groups- so join three types of clubs:

   1. An academic club

   2. A career-related club

   3. A club just for FUN!

4. Use Campus Resources: There are so many great offices that colleges provide. You need to use them when needed such as the writing center, academic advising, health center, mental health services and the gym. No one goes through college without using the great resources on campus.

5. Go to class: This goes without saying but you will miss relevant information and you will be behind in the course if you do not attend class.  Plus you will find your college experience more rewarding by attending class and you will do better grade-wise as well. Attend!

6. Give yourself Grace- The first semester is meant to be rocky. The first 4 weeks is the “OMG, I’m in college” phase but after that wears off, you start to feel the realty-check that this is where you are for now and you need to settle down, attend class, forge relationships and live a balanced life. So, go easy on yourself. Everyone feels homesick but know that if you keep a set schedule and stay balanced, it will pass.

   Want to learn more about how to work with Suzanne through your college years? She counsels students through college as well. Click here to learn more and to contact her.

A few thoughts on making the final decision….

After you receive all of your college admission decisions, you will need to assess your choices and make a final decision.

1. Lay out all of your acceptances on a table. Look at each school and think over how each makes you feel.

1. How does the college make you feel?

2. Review the location and size of each school

3. At which college can you imagine yourself at most? Why?

2. Re-visit Campus: Many schools offer an accepted student day. If not, make a plan to re-visit a few campuses, if you are unsure of which to choose to attend.

1. Meet with financial aid if you have any questions.

2. Ask about important issues to you such as housing, resdential life, support services for students such as disability resource center or mental health support.

3. Talk with current students while on campus.

3. Compare financial aid awards and contact the offices with questions.

4. While there is no rush, make sure you do not miss the deadline for notifying a college.

5. There is NO perfect school. Sorry folks, but it’s true. Just like all decisions in life, it’s part of your journey and what YOU make of college is what you’ll gain. And congratulations!f

   Want to learn more about Suzanne and Lagemann College Consulting, click here to get in contact with her.