The application season for fall 2024 has officially begun, as both the Common App and the UC application have opened their portals for prospective students. Now is the perfect time to kickstart your college application journey and set yourself on the path to your dream university.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to the Common App website or the UC application website, and start by creating your account today.
A Quick Common App Overview
With a Common App account, you can apply to over 1,000 universities and colleges in the United States, as well as some international institutions. Explore your options and check out some universities in other countries, too, such as the UK or Spain, by using the “College Search” tool. Once you find a college that you’d like to apply to, simply click the + sign next to it and it’ll get added to your list of colleges under the “My Colleges” tab.
Start with your Personal Info on the “Common App” tab
But wait! Before diving into the college search, focus on filling out the information under the “CommonApp” tab. This section contains the information that is universal for all the colleges you’ll be applying to. This includes your personal information, your academic history, activities, and your all-important Common App essay also known as the Personal Statement or college essay.
Free Expert Guidance for the Common App
If you need guidance on filling out the Common App correctly, the AXS Companion to Common App is an excellent resource to check out. It expertly walks you through every step of the application process, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial details. You can also find an easy application guide for first-year students right on the Common App website too.
Now, what about the UC application?
The UC application allows you to apply to all nine undergraduate campuses of the University of California through one single application. Once you create your account, you’ll find tabs on the left-side column that guide you through the different sections of the application.
Start with the “About You” Tab
Begin by completing the “About You” tab, which gathers all your personal information. Move on to the “Campus & Major” tab to indicate the UC campuses you wish to apply to and your preferred major. The choice of a particular campus will impact the campus-specific scholarships that will be available to you later on in the “Scholarships & Programs” tab.
PIQ- Personal insight questions
Unlike the Common App essay, the UC application requires you to answer four out of eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQ). Take your time with these responses and consider drafting them on a separate Google or Word document to avoid losing your work due to technical issues.
Accessing Expert Guidance for the UC Application
If you are looking for some expert guidance on how to complete the UC application, consider watching the application video series created by UC Santa Barbara each year. These video tutorials will walk you through every step of the UC application, ensuring you stay on the right track.
Get personalized Help
If you’re seeking personalized assistance throughout this year’s college application season, Global College Advisers is here to help. We specialize in finding colleges and universities that align perfectly with your goals and aspirations. With our insightful support, you can make the college application process less stressful and set yourself up for success.
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