Lesson 4 · 11 min

Let us walk through an actual application.

Imagine a website with sections, buttons and questions. Here is what a first-time U.S. applicant usually does, using Common App as one example.

011. Find the university and its official instructions

You first choose a U.S. university to research. On its admissions page you learn its requirements, application system, deadlines, accepted qualifications and possible international funding. Some colleges use Common App; others have their own portals.

022. Create your application account

You register on the correct platform. Common App is a service that lets you apply to many participating colleges from one account. Opening an account is not submitting an application.

033. Fill in your profile

Typical questions concern your name, citizenship, home and family context, school history, courses, grades, tests if applicable, activities and writing. You do not have to invent awards or achievements.

044. Add a particular college

You select the college inside the platform, choose an application round where applicable and answer its extra questions. Each college can ask for additional essays or documents.

055. Invite people who know your work

A teacher or counselor may upload recommendations, transcripts and school reports through a separate recommender process. They do not just write a private message to you.

066. Review, pay or seek a waiver, and submit

You check every required section, submit to that specific university and follow its instructions for fees or eligible fee waivers. Some applications charge a fee; some institutions offer waivers.

077. Check the applicant portal and funding paperwork

After submission, the college may provide a portal showing received and missing documents. The financial aid application may require CSS Profile, ISFAA or another form, with a DIFFERENT deadline.

08What happens after that?

The university reviews the file and may request more information, an interview or a portfolio for some programs. You eventually receive an admission decision. Separately, you review any scholarship or financial aid offer.

Quick check

You created a Common App account and entered your name. Have you applied to Yale or another college yet?

Yes, the account is enough.No. I must add each college, complete its requirements and submit.Yes, if my GPA is 5.00.

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Let us walk through an actual application.

Imagine a website with sections, buttons and questions. Here is what a first-time U.S. applicant usually does, using Common App as one example.

011. Find the university and its official instructions

022. Create your application account

You register on the correct platform. Common App is a service that lets you apply to many participating colleges from one account. Opening an account is not submitting an application.

033. Fill in your profile

044. Add a particular college

You select the college inside the platform, choose an application round where applicable and answer its extra questions. Each college can ask for additional essays or documents.

055. Invite people who know your work

A teacher or counselor may upload recommendations, transcripts and school reports through a separate recommender process. They do not just write a private message to you.

066. Review, pay or seek a waiver, and submit

You check every required section, submit to that specific university and follow its instructions for fees or eligible fee waivers. Some applications charge a fee; some institutions offer waivers.

077. Check the applicant portal and funding paperwork

After submission, the college may provide a portal showing received and missing documents. The financial aid application may require CSS Profile, ISFAA or another form, with a DIFFERENT deadline.