IVC Transfer Center presents: Workshop

1. Presented by Michelle Scharf, Transfer Center Director IVC Transfer Center presents: Workshop

2. The Common Application • 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

3. Do your homework! • 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

4. Getting Started • 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

5. Transfer Application • Register for an account • Enter username and password on homepage • Search for and select your colleges • Click on college name for more information • Check box for each college to add to “My Colleges” list • Begin by selecting one of your colleges • Click on “Application” to begin the Common App

6. School Forms • 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”.

7. Instructor Evaluation • 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

8. College Official’s Form • 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.

9. Mid-Term Report • 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

10. School Report • 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

11. After you apply • 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.

12. Some tips • 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”

13. Good luck!