Hey everyone! I'm starting to gear up for college apps, and I'm pretty set on using the Common App. Does anyone know when it's possible for me to create a Common Application account? Are there any benefits to getting it set up early? Thanks in advance!
Hello! It's great that you're planning ahead for your college applications. You can actually create your Common Application account at any time and it will roll over from year to year. However, the application for the next admission cycle typically opens on August 1st. If you create your account before then, just be aware that you will need to wait until the new cycle officially opens to start filling out the college-specific details.
As for benefits, starting early allows you to familiarize yourself with the platform, gather necessary information, and work on your essays without rushing. You can also begin to fill out the basic information sections, request recommendation letters, and explore schools' specific requirements before the August 1st refresh. Staying ahead of the curve can reduce stress and give you ample time to revise your application to better reflect who you are. Best of luck with your application process!
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