Hackensack High School

The Common Application is a standardized first-year application form for use at over 1,000 institutions. 

• List of Colleges that Accept the Common App
• Common App Homepage
• Common App Support

The Common Application has many different parts that may be or may not be required by the school you are applying to. In addition to the main application, many colleges require you to answer additional questions and some require an additional essay/writing supplement.  It will be important for you to meet with your school counselor to make sure you are aware of each piece needed.  

Be sure to use the HHS Common App Cheat Sheet to help you!

Not all colleges require teacher recommendations.  Please confirm they do before requesting a letter.

Please allow at least three-weeks notice when requesting a letter of recommendation. The due date you assign to your recommender must be 10 schools days prior to your first application deadline. (Example: If your college deadline is November 1, make sure you indicate to your teacher and/or counselor, you need the letter completed by October 15.)

Teacher Recommendation

Fill out the Teacher Recommendation Form/Brag Sheet and give to your teacher.  

Counselor Recommendation

If any of your applications require a counselor recommendation, you must complete a Counselor Recommendation Form/Brag Sheet.

Watch Out for Deadlines

Be Aware of Deadlines!  This is probably the most important tip we can give you.   Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.  Submitting application early is always better.

Follow Directions When Applying

It may seem like a given, but you need to make sure you follow specific instructions when completing an application. Make sure you read all of the directions in the application and what is required.  

Don’t Procrastinate on Letters of Recommendation & Essays

Check online to see if the colleges you are applying to require letters of recommendation and essays. 

Visit Colleges

It is important to visit as many colleges as you can, as a visit can make or break your decision to go to a college. Visiting will give you a feel for the campus, which is a very important aspect for many applicants. If you can’t visit in person, an online virtual tour is the next best thing. Also, make sure to attend CCC college visits for all the schools that interest you.

Meet With Your Counselor

Your counselor is here for a reason, to help you! Your counselor is not going to seek you out to help you with your college search and application. If you have any questions regarding your post-high school plans, go set up a meeting with your counselor in your floor office.  Your counselor is the best resource to help you on your college journey.

Compare and Contrast Choices

Write down in a journal what you liked and disliked about the colleges you have visited so when it comes time to make the big decision, you remember certain aspects of the college. Record things like what you liked about the campus, how many students go there, how much financial aid is available and what the overall tuition cost is to attend the college. It’s a lot easier to have all of this information in one place, rather than having to search and try to find it later.

Familiarize Yourself With Resources

WHS has many different resources to help you find what college is right for you. Maia Learning is a resource that has information on every college such as the average GPA, ACT scores, tuition cost, number of students and information about financial aid.  

Form Your Own Opinions

Deciding on which college to attend is a decision that you need to make for yourself. The best college for your friend is not necessarily the best college for you, so don’t base your decision on where they are going. Don’t let others affect your college decision too much, as you need to figure out the right place for you. You’re the one who needs to be happy with your college choice, not your friends!

Give Yourself Options

When applying to colleges, you probably want to apply to at least 3 colleges. If you only apply to 1 college you aren’t giving yourself enough options, which could come back to hurt you. On the other hand, you don’t want to apply to too many colleges, as the application fees can really add up. Most importantly, apply to as many colleges as you feel you need to. When it comes time to decide which to attend, having more options will benefit you a lot.

Discuss Financial Aid

One of the biggest factors in deciding which college to attend is the cost. Discuss the options for financial aid with your parents and with your counselor. Look up scholarships and loans, don’t miss the FAFSA deadline and look for some on-campus work options they would have for you when you get down to the university. Don’t let the cost of the college push you away from where you want to go. There are many financial aid options for everyone out there to help you get where you want to go!

Ways to Apply:  Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED1 & ED2), Restrictive Early Action (REA),  Regular Decision (RD), and Rolling Admissions processes

• Early Decision 1  plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college, and typically have to pay their deposit before the standard reply deadline. Students can only apply to one college/university ED1.  For Early Decision 1, the deadline is usually November 1, and students will typically receive an admissions decision by December 15, before the regular application deadline.  If they are admitted through ED1, students must withdraw their applications to all other institutions they applied to.

• Early Decision 2 is also binding and is an option for students if they weren’t admitted to their first choice ED1 or if after researching all other options, they are sold on attending that one college and apply ED2. For Early Decision 2, however, the deadline is usually January 1 or January 15. This means your students typically will apply Regular Decision (or Rolling) to the rest of the schools on their list. If they are admitted through ED2 (usually around February 15 of senior year), they will need to withdraw their remaining applications.

• Early Action plans are non-binding - students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the college’s reply deadline (typically May 1). Applying early can help students reduce stress about the process, gain more time when making a final decision, and signal to their schools that the student is committed and excited about that institution.

• Restrictive Early Action is another non-binding option - students aren’t obligated to attend if accepted. However, if a student applies Restrictive Early Action, they may not apply to any other schools in the early rounds. Applicants are expected to sign a statement that they agree to file only one early application. Applying REA clearly indicates to the school that they are your number one choice, and it can significantly increase your chances of acceptance. Like EA applicants, REA applicants typically have until May 1 to make their decision.

• Regular Decision deadlines are generally between January 1 and February 1, depending on the school. Applicants are notified of the admissions team’s decision by April 1, and they do not have to commit to the college until the college’s reply deadline - just like EA and REA.

Regular Decision is not an early round application, and students are compared to a larger pool of applicants. It is not binding, and students can apply Regular Decision to as many schools as the student would like.

• Rolling Admissions - This is a policy in which applicants are invited to submit their applications to the university within a large window of time. The school reviews and continues to admit students until they have met their class enrollment goals.

What Colleges Want to See

Can you write? Colleges look to see if your writing ability meets the academic standards of the college. Are you able to take a thought and develop it into a well-organized and clear essay?

Who are you? The essay is your chance to express yourself and who you are to the admissions officers. They are looking to get a sense of your values, passions and beliefs and want to hear about those through your own voice. Above all, they are trying to learn how you are going to impact their community. Will you make their school a better place by attending?

Selecting a Topic

Some colleges may give you freedom in what you choose to write about while others may provide a specific question or prompt for you to answer. If you are required to address one of the college's assigned questions:

• Know there is no single "right" topic.
• Do your research—go to the library, use the internet, ask others what they know about the topic.
• Organize your thoughts and opinions before you start.
• Draft an outline of points you want to cover and list some supporting ideas.
• Have an idea of what your conclusion will be.
• Be sure you answer the question.

Creating Drafts

• Now that you have selected a topic, start writing! The first draft is not meant to be perfect, so just write everything that comes to mind down on the page. It might be helpful to set a timer for twenty minutes and not stop writing until it goes off.
• Finished writing? Now don't look at it again until tomorrow.
• Next, re-read through your essay. Do you still feel good about the topic? Is the essay about you? Is it truly your voice? The essay should address the "who, what, why and how" of you.
• Review your essay. How is the structure? Does the first sentence or paragraph grab the reader?
• Get some constructive input from teachers, parents or peers. However, be sure the essay still sounds like you after any revisions.

Essay Writing Tips

• View the essay as an opportunity to tell the admissions committee about who you are as a person.
• Don't repeat information that you included in previous sections of your application.
• Ask yourself: What should the school know about me?
• Be yourself. If you are funny, write a funny essay; if you are serious, write a serious essay.
• Be original, don't write about what everyone else is writing about.
• Grab your reader in the first paragraph.
• Use vivid examples, descriptions and quotations; they bring your essay to life.
• Don't try to take on too much. Focus on one "most influential person," one event, or one activity. Tackling too much tends to make your essay too watered down or disjointed.
• Don't be afraid to reveal yourself in your writing. Colleges want to know who you are and how you think.
• If the essay assignment requires, take a stand on an issue; don't waffle.
• Write thoughtfully and from your heart. It is clear which students believe in what they are saying versus those who are simply saying what they think a college wants to hear.
• Essays should have a thesis that is clear to you and to the reader.
• Limit the number of people from whom you request feedback on your essay. Too much input creates an essay that sounds as though it has been written by a committee or results in writing that is absent your own voice.
• Ask yourself: Did I answer the question asked of me? Is this essay enjoyable to read? Did I conform to length guidelines?
• If the essay requires you to take a stand on an issue, don't waffle. Admissions officers are looking for a thoughtful argument and organization.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Nothing says "last-minute essay" like an "are" instead of "our" or a "their" instead of "they're."

Helpful Links

• College Essay Guy
• Collegeboard Essay Assistance Site

• Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. We support the goal of every student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college.
• College Admissions Collaborative Highlighting Engineering and Technology (CACHET) is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to promoting opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CACHET provides a forum for college enrollment professionals and guidance counselors to share strategies and best practices in pursuing STEM careers.

General College Search Resources

Scoir, Inc

• Big Future (Collegeboard)
• Cappex
• College Greenlight (First Generation College Students)
• College Data
• College Navigator (National Center for Education Statistics)
• College Niche
• InLikeMe
• Peterson's
• Princeton Review
• Unigo
• Looking for a school where you can earn your degree online?

College Rankings

• College Confidential
• College and University Rankings (published by the University of Illinois)
• Kiplinger's Best Public Universities
• U.S. News & World Report

Looking to attend college outside of the United States

• Guide to International Admissions
• Across the Pond
• British Council
• Institute of International Education
• UCAS

Resources for Students with Disabilities

• Association on Higher Education and Disability
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Council for Learning Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
• National Center for Learning Disabilities
• Think College

What Accommodations Might a College/University Provide?

A college or university has the flexibility to select the specific aid or service it provides, as long as it is effective.

Accommodations may include:

• Providing readers for blind or learning disabled individuals
• Providing qualified interpreters and note takers for deaf and hard of hearing students
• Providing note takers for students with learning disabilities
• Allowing extra time to complete exams
• Permitting examinations to be individually proctored, read orally, dictated, or typed
• Changing test formats (e.g., from multiple choice to essay)
• Using alternative forms for students to demonstrate course mastery (e.g., a narrative recording instead of a written journal)
• Permitting the use of computer software or other assistive technology to assist in test-taking and study skills

How to Prepare for Post-Secondary Education

Students with disabilities who know their rights and responsibilities are much better equipped to succeed in post-secondary education.

• Make sure your testing is up to date and obtain copies of your records.
• Learn about your disability—know your specific description, academic strengths, weaknesses, and what support you received in high school.
• Learn how to be a self-advocate—become knowledgeable and comfortable describing your disability so you can advocate for yourself with faculty.
• Be able to answer: “In college, I think I will need help in the following areas…” and “I would benefit from the following classroom modifications…”
• Be organized.
• Set realistic goals and priorities for coursework.
• Keep one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments, and appointments.
• Make notes of any questions you might have to be answered before the next exam.
• Estimate how long assignments will take—plan for about two hours outside of class for every hour in class, and build in study breaks.

AA/AFA/AS/AAS/AGE: Degrees often granted by a community or two‐year college. Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), & Associate in General Education (AGE) differ in requirements.

ACT: The ACT is a college entrance exam covering English, math, reading and science reasoning, and is often taken during a student’s junior or senior year. One of the few college exams not provided by the College Board.

AP: Advanced Placement courses are challenging high school courses that focus on a particular subject. Students may receive credit or receive a higher placement within college courses. The College Board provides this curriculum and testing.

BA/BS/BFA: A bachelor’s degree, also called a baccalaureate or undergraduate degree. The Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) differ in requirements.

CEEB Code: A standardized ID number that is assigned to a high school, college, or university. CEEB codes are issued by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used by the College Board.

CLEP: College Level Examination Program offers college credit for independent study or life experience. The College Board provides this curriculum and testing.

COA: The Total Cost of Attendance to attend an institution, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other expenses.

CSS Profile: A secondary financial aid application that colleges use to allow students to apply for non-federal financial aid (see FAFSA). Often used at private schools, this is an additional application that international students are able to use, but it does have a fee associated with it.

EA: Early Action Deadline – A non‐binding agreement that provides students flexibility to attend if admitted and to find out sooner.

ED: Early Decision Deadline – A binding agreement that a student will attend that school if admitted.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid – students should go to studentaid.gov/fafsa-app to apply. This application is used by accredited schools to provide a financial package of grants and loans — including both university funds and state/federal funds.

GPA: Grade Point Average – grades students earn in high school and college are assigned points (ex. A=4, B=3, etc.), and additional points may be given for advanced courses (weighted average). A student’s GPA is the sum of all earned points divided by the number of courses taken.

HBCU: Meaning “any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education.”

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Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU): Established in 1986 with a founding membership of eighteen institutions intended to support education of Hispanic students.

NCAA: National Collegiate Athletic Association – partially funds most athletic scholarships, and schools participate in athletic conferences and divisions (or levels) between schools.

PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – measures verbal reasoning, critical reading, writing, and math skills. Familiarizes students with questions asked on the SAT – often taken in sophomore or junior year (junior year is when the exam can result in National Merit Scholarship qualification).

SAI: Student Aid Index – Data provided on the FAFSA (see above) used to calculate a family’s ability to pay for college expenses.

SAT: The SAT is a college entrance exam that measures literacy, numeracy, and writing skills, and is often taken during a student’s junior or senior year. The College Board provides this exam.

EBRW: The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score is compiled from two sections of the test — the Reading section and the Writing and Language section.

Math: The Math score is compiled from one section of the test — the Math section.

Superscore: The process by which a school will combine multiple tests together to increase a composite score. For example, if a student received a 700 Math and 510 EBRW in June and a 680 Math and 590 EBRW, a school that superscores will take the 700 Math and 590 EBRW to provide them a new composite score of 1290.

Test Blind: Not only do students not need to submit a standardized test, but if a student does submit one, it will be ignored and not used in the evaluation process.

Test Optional: This is an option that allows a student to not submit a test score if they’re not happy with it or were unable to take one, but if a student submits a score, a college may use it in the evaluation process.