Over 900 colleges in the US and several other countries now use The Common Application (“Common App”), a standardised form that can be submitted to multiple institutions. The main Common App consists of a series of simple questions and one personal essay. Many colleges also have a supplemental section that ask questions not included on the main Common App; these supplemental sections may include additional essay requirements. If a college accepts the Common App, OIS students must use it, even if the college accepts other types of applications. In other words, if a college is a member of the Common App group but also has their own application on their website or the Coalition Application, you need to use the Common App. This is the only way that an OIS college counsellor can send your supporting materials – transcripts, recommendations, and the OIS Profile—electronically to those schools.

While some state public institutions are members of the Common Application, others may have their own application systems. Some US states and one Canadian province have applications that allow students to apply to all of the schools that are linked under one system. The University of California and Cal State use their own common applications. Texas public universities and public schools in Ontario, Canada also have their own application sites.

Student applications always begin with the application form itself, any required essays, and the application fee. Colleges vary in what supporting items they require/recommend, so it is important to check each school’s website to make sure you have sent in all necessary materials. Essays: Many colleges ask that you write one or more essays as part of their application process. These essays are a place for you to share your voice with colleges, to show them what you really care about, and to give them a sense of who you are as a person. Colleges use essays to determine who you are, what you have been doing, what is important to you, and what sets you apart from other applicants. There is no one perfect topic—the best work comes from what you care about and what makes you an individual. Always choose a topic that feels right to you—trust your instincts. With your essay, you want to demonstrate two things: that you are a capable writer and that you are an interesting, mature person. Try to think “what would I like to write about?” rather than “what would someone like to hear?” Then make sure that your topic area has a clear and limited focus. The best essays tell a story: they have a narrative arc, they show rather than tell, and they grab the reader’s interest. As with any good story, keep your essay narrow in scope and include detail, anecdotes, and specific examples. And make sure that at least one person edits all of your essays before you send them! The college counsellors at OIS have read thousands of college essays and have a deep understanding of what will and will not appeal to college admissions representatives. The OIS college counsellors offer an essay writing workshop in the spring of junior year to discuss do’s and don’ts and to offer essay writing models to students. The OIS college counsellors also help with essays throughout the first half of senior year. They assist in brainstorming sessions, read rough drafts to see if essays are heading in a good direction, and edit subsequent drafts for content and quality. Official Test Scores: Unless you are applying to test-optional schools, you may need to send your SAT and/or ACT scores to colleges directly through the College Board or the ACT. Certification of Finances: If you are not a US citizen, most US colleges will require that you provide proof of your ability to pay for college before you can be granted a US visa. Some schools may require that you submit a certification of finances as part of the application process. Please check each school’s website for more information about this and to complete the relevant forms.

Your OIS college counsellor will send in materials to support your application. These will generally include your transcript, a counsellor letter of recommendation, and the OIS School Profile. OIS will send your mid-year transcript once first semester grades are available in late December or early January. For schools that require them, OIS will also submit your teacher letters of recommendation. School Transcripts Teacher Recommendations: OIShas developed a system to help teachers write their recommendations. The first step is to ask one or two teachers—check with your OIS college counsellor about the number—to write your recommendation letters. Your college counsellor can help you select teachers who know you, respect you, and will write positive comments about you. Your teacher will write one letter of recommendation that will be used for each of your applications. Counsellor Recommendations: Most colleges will also require a letter from your college counsellor. At OIS, college counsellors get to know you in a variety of ways: they meet with you multiple times; they attend sports and arts events; they read your teacher comments; they ask for parent questionnaires; and they review the resume and Counsellor Recommendation questionnaire you have filled out. The more information you provide, the easier it is for your counsellor to write a thoughtful and thorough recommendation.