common

Superscoring the SAT involves selecting the highest scores from each section across multiple test administrations to create a composite score. For instance, if an applicant took the SAT twice and achieved a higher Math score on the first attempt and a higher Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score on the second, colleges that superscore would consider only the best score from each section when evaluating the application. The Common Application provides a framework for applicants to self-report these individual section scores from different test dates.

This practice offers several advantages. It allows students to present their strongest academic profile, potentially increasing their chances of admission and merit-based aid. Furthermore, it acknowledges that test performance can fluctuate due to various factors on a single test date, and provides a more comprehensive view of an applicant’s abilities. Historically, selective institutions have recognized the value of considering an applicant’s best performance across multiple attempts, leading to the widespread adoption of superscoring policies.

Read more

The process of linking a student’s high school college planning platform with the standardized college application system ensures seamless transmission of crucial academic documents. This connection facilitates the secure and efficient transfer of transcripts, counselor recommendations, and other supporting materials directly to colleges to which the student applies. Failure to establish this link can result in delays or complications in the application review process.

Establishing this connection streamlines the application process, benefiting both students and school counselors. Students gain confidence that their application materials are complete and received on time. Counselors can efficiently manage and submit required documents for multiple students, reducing administrative burdens. Historically, the manual submission of these documents was time-consuming and prone to errors; this integration significantly improves accuracy and efficiency.

Read more

The University of California (UC) system has its own application platform. This means prospective students applying to any of the UC campuses (such as UCLA, Berkeley, or San Diego) must submit their applications through the UC Application website, rather than using a centralized system shared by many other universities. A student interested in attending both a UC school and, for example, Stanford, would apply to the UC system using the UC Application and to Stanford using either the Common Application or the Stanford application.

The decision to maintain a separate application allows the UC system to tailor its application process specifically to its academic mission and the needs of California residents, who constitute a significant portion of its applicant pool. It enables the system to collect data specific to evaluating candidates within the context of the UC’s priorities, and it gives the UC full control over the application timeline, fee structure, and required essays. Historically, this independence has allowed the UC system to maintain accessibility and affordability for California students.

Read more