For well over four years, you have worked consistently at maintaining a higher-than-average GPA. You’ve put the finishing touches on your college essay, and you submitted your common app to that massive network of over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. The world has been put on notice that you are a primed student pursuing higher education and a higher salary than your parents. Now what?

• “If you’re early, you’re on time.”

  • Complete all applications, forms and essays before winter break and use that time to enjoy and relax.

• Ensure the application is complete (this is the student’s responsibility…and more of these responsibilities will present themselves)

• Keep communication lines open with your school counselor/academic advisor

• Register with the portal and check in regularly for any updates

• “The most common “extra work” I’ve seen in recent years includes the Self-Reported Academic Record, also known as the SRAR. This is essentially an opportunity for you to self-report your transcript, and generally requires you to include all courses and final grades for each year of high school, as well as your grade 12 courses in progress.”

• If you haven’t submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or College Scholarship Service, now is definitely the time to do so.

• Keep good grades.

  • “Your academic progress throughout senior year will be sent to colleges in the form of a midyear report and your final transcript. You’ve worked hard for three-plus years before applying to college. Make sure you finish your high school career strong by staying engaged.”

• Research desired school and schedule an interview

How to Prepare for College After Submitting Common App

Completing college applications can be a nerve-wracking experience. With the countless days spent writing essays, the late nights researching schools, and the many hours perfecting your application, applying for college can be EXHAUSTING.

However, your college essays are prepped and polished, and you’ve finally submitted your common app to that massive network of over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. Congratulations—you’re one step closer to achieving your higher education goals! But now what? Continue reading to learn how to make the most of your time after submitting your applications. 

5 Helpful Tips To Consider After Submitting Your Common App

1. Complete All Applications, Forms and Essays Before Winter Break 

Once you’ve submitted an application, it’s essential to take some time off to enjoy yourself before getting back in the grind again. Make sure all applications, forms, and essays are complete before winter break so you can use that time to relax and recharge for the next steps of your journey. Remember, it is ultimately up to you as the student to ensure that all components of your application are complete. 

2. Submit FAFSA and CSS Financial Aid Forms 

For any college or university to consider you eligible for financial aid packages or scholarships, you’ll need to fill out both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service). These forms will help determine what level of financial aid may be offered by certain institutions. Both forms must be filled out annually for students to continue receiving aid. These two forms should not be overlooked when planning ahead!                      

3. Keep Good Grades & Stay Involved 

It is important that seniors maintain good grades throughout their final year in high school; this shows colleges that they are serious about their education. It is also beneficial if they stay involved in extracurricular activities such as sports teams or clubs at school—this demonstrates a commitment towards balancing academics with other activities outside of studies. This also adds depth when applying for scholarships that may require evidence of community involvement or leadership skills! 

4. Research Desired School & Schedule an Interview 

Some schools require interviews, so take some time and research your desired schools thoroughly so you can have meaningful conversations during interviews, if necessary (most likely via Zoom). Doing this research will also help inform any questions you may have which could potentially give you an edge over other applicants, as well as provide insight into making an informed decision if you’re accepted into multiple schools! Also, remember that it never hurts to schedule an interview with a representative from each school— these are great opportunities to express who you are beyond just transcripts or letters of recommendation.    

5. Register With The Portal & Check In Regularly For Updates 

After submitting an application, many schools offer portals for accepted students so they can check their status updates regarding admission decisions or financial aid packages, etc. Be sure to register with each portal associated with each school applied to - this helps keep track of important information about deadlines or requirements which could add additional pressure if forgotten about until the last minute! Most importantly though is that these portals help facilitate communication between a student and their chosen institution—so remember to check in regularly. Again, keep communication lines open.

Preparing for college after submitting applications requires more than just checking off boxes on forms; it requires research, reflection and organization on behalf of the student applying. All these factors contribute towards making sure students have done everything possible before embarking upon their journey into higher education--good luck!