Hey, I've come across this phrase 'common for all' in my college search and I'm a little bit confused. Can anyone shed some light on what this phrase means and how it relates to college admissions?
In the context of college admissions, the phrase "common for all" typically refers to the elements of the application process that are standardized or identical across all applicants. These could be activities or requirements that each student, irrespective of their background or intended major, needs to fulfill.
For instance, the Common Application is a universal online application used by many colleges and universities, designed to provide a "common for all" application process. Every student who uses the Common Application completes the same basic application information, which includes personal information, academic history, and a personal essay.
A few other examples of "common for all" elements in college admissions include requirements for high school transcripts or fee waiver forms—they apply to everyone.
That being said, while there are "common for all" elements, colleges do value individuality and uniqueness in applications. The essay prompts, while common to all students, are a chance for applicants to showcase their individual voices, experiences, and perspectives. Extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation also provide unique insights into each applicant. So, while the process may share common elements for all applicants, the content of each application can still be quite distinctive.
I hope this overview clears up your confusion!
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