Presented by Michelle Scharf, Transfer Center Director

Used by 488 4-year colleges and universities around the country and world – some of the most popular ones for IVC students are Chapman, USC, Loyola Marymount, and NYU

One application goes to all participating colleges you want to apply to

School forms must be downloaded and printed for each school (online school forms are only for freshmen)

Some schools also require a supplemental application

A fee is paid for each school you apply to – fees vary

You will need two websites for each school you apply to: The school website. Check this first! On

the school website, you will need to find the “Application Checklist” which will have the following information:▪ Application due date▪ Specific school forms needed by that school (not

all of the forms may be needed!) - read carefully!▪ Additional requirements such as a supplemental

application, letters of recommendation, specific school requirements, etc.

▪ For example, Chapman University, USC, NYU The Common App website:

https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Default.aspx

Start a checklist of each school you will apply to and include their due date, fee, what school forms they require, whether they want a supplemental app, personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and departmental materials

Avoid using an AOL browser; IE, Firefox, and Safari work best

Disable popup blockers

Once you create your username and password, you can start, save, stop, and log back in – you don’t have to complete the whole application in one sitting

It may be helpful to click on the “Instructions” tab where you will find a video demo and helpful information on filling out the application

Register for an accountEnter username and password on

homepageSearch for and select your collegesClick on college name for more informationCheck box for each college to add to “My

Colleges” listBegin by selecting one of your collegesClick on “Application” to begin the

Common App

There are 4 school forms you may be asked to submit in addition to the Transfer Application: Instructor Evaluation College Official’s Form Mid-Term Report Secondary School Report

You need to download and print separate forms for each school you are applying to. Each form is located under the tab “Download Forms”.

Your name, etc. is pre-populated

Choose whether or not to waive the right to access the form

Give to an instructor well in advance and ask them to evaluate you using the form. They are instructed to mail this directly to the school admission office – be sure to give them stamped, addressed envelopes for each institution you are applying to

Your name, etc. is pre-populated if you have completed the Demographics and Applicant sections

Choose whether or not to waive the right to access the form

Fill out your current year courses (Fall 2012 is First Semester, Spring 2013 is Second Semester, Summer 2013 is Third Quarter)

Submit to Admissions and Records and they will complete the rest, affix the school seal and mail it for you – allow 7-10 business days for processing

Optional: If someone like your counselor knows you well enough to fill out the Ratings and Evaluation, they can do that before you turn the form into Admissions. You or they should NOT fill in the College Official’s information or sign on the signature line.

Your name, etc. is pre-populated

Choose whether or not to waive the right to access the form

Give the form to each instructor you currently are enrolled with and have them fill out and sign the form

Send the form to the school(s) you are applying to

Your name, etc. is pre-populated

Fill out your current year courses

Choose whether or not to waive the right to access the form

Take to your high school well in advance and have it filled out by the counseling office. They are instructed to mail this directly to the school admission office – be sure to give them stamped, addressed envelopes for each institution you are applying to

Once your payment goes through, you will see a message that reads “You have paid this institution’s application fee online” and receive a confirmation e-mail from Common App. You may also apply for a fee-waiver.

The Common App will let you know you have submitted all forms/payments successfully by displaying the word “Complete” in green

You should also receive confirmation from the schools you applied to and a request for any missing documents

While you can apply to more schools after your first submission, you cannot make changes to your original application. If you want to make changes, you have to begin a new application.

If you apply online, don’t also send your application via mail.

Make a copy of all application materials and file for future reference.

Avoid procrastinating! Get your letters of recommendation, forms and transcripts ordered as soon as possible.

Write your short answer, personal essay, and any school-specific personal statements in a word-processing program and then copy and paste or upload into the application

Print a copy of your application(s) for future reference

Support Centers and video tutorials for Applicants and for School Forms are available on the website under “Contact Us”