The Common Application Instructions

Before you Begin your Common Application

• Be aware of application deadlines. We submit all materials for applications by the business day before a deadline that falls on either a weekend or during school breaks. Our office is not open on holidays or during Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks.
• Supporting documents (i.e., transcripts, letters of recommendation, fee waivers) can be sent to your college prior to you submitting your Common Application (CA) as long as you have provided our office with your Common App ID# when you request your transcript.
• IMPORTANT! List Post High School Counselor Ivy Hartman (hartmanivy@rsdmo.org) as your counselor in The Common App. This will help us to better assist you with your application and the submission of documents.

 

Create Your Common Application

• Use an email you check regularly.
• Instructions and tips for completing each section:
  • Dashboard
  • Profile and Family Sections
  • My Colleges
• For additional help troubleshooting the Common Application visit these sites:

The Common App Student Solutions Center

The Common App Application Guide

 

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

• Most CA schools require a counselor letter of recommendation and possibly a teacher's letter.
• Ask your recommender in-person for their recommendation.
• Give Ms. Hartman and your teacher(s) at least 14 working days before your application deadline to complete their letters.
• Complete an activity resume to give to your recommender.

For Teacher Letters

• • Do NOT request teacher letters through The Common App. Letters will be sent to your schools through Scoir, not through Common App.

For Letters from the Post High School Counselor

• • Complete the Counselor Recommendation Survey for students and parents.
  • Schedule a meeting with Mrs. Hartman to discuss your survey

 

Complete a Transcript Request

• Complete your FERPA permissions in SchooLinks (this is not the same as the FERPA you complete in Common App)
• Request your transcript.
• For complete instructions, visit the Transcripts page of our website.

 

Finish Your Application

• Have someone read your essay(s) and application before you submit your CommonApp.
• Be sure to SUBMIT it!
• If applicable, you will pay an application fee (have a credit/debit card ready).

 

Follow Up

• It is okay to double check that your documents are submitted on time.
• Check the status of documents by logging into your SchooLinks account.
• Talk with your teacher or other recommender.
• Stop by the Post High School Planning Office for assistance.