The Common App Opened August 1
Here’s How Rising Seniors Can Start Strong Without Feeling Overwhelmed
The Common App is officially open — and for many families of rising seniors, August 1 can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. Each year on August 1, the Common Application opens for a new admissions cycle, making it the ideal time for rising seniors to begin preparing their college applications.
Your student may be thinking:
“Where do I even begin?”
And parents may be wondering:
“Are we behind?”
Should my student already have an essay finished?”
"How do we keep track of everything?”
These are questions I hear every year from families beginning the college application process. After working with students and families for more than 30 years as an educator and college advisor, I've learned that starting early is one of the best ways to reduce stress and build confidence throughout the application process.
The good news?
Your student does not need to complete the entire application in August. But this is the perfect time to get organized, understand the process, and create a plan before senior year becomes busy.
🎓 Common App Support for Rising Seniors
Starting the Common App does not have to feel overwhelming.
At BestFit College Advisors, I help students confidently navigate the application process with personalized support.
My Common App Support Package helps students:
✓ Navigate the Common App portal✓ Organize application information
✓ Develop and refine their personal essay
✓ Strengthen their activities section
✓ Track deadlines and requirements
✓ Stay on schedule through submission
The goal is not to complete the application for students — it is to guide them through the process so they can submit an organized, thoughtful, and authentic application.
If your rising senior is ready to get started, now is the ideal time to build a plan before the demands of senior year take over. My Common App Support Package provides personalized guidance to help students stay organized, reduce stress, and submit applications with confidence.
Every student's college journey is different. Whether your student is just opening the Common App or already has questions about the process, I'd be happy to help you create a plan that reduces stress and keeps them on track.
📩 Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how BestFit College Advisors can help your student navigate the Common App with confidence.
Every family has different needs. Some students are looking for comprehensive college advising, while others simply want expert guidance through the Common App. That's why I offer both comprehensive advising services and a dedicated Common App Coaching Module, so families can choose the level of support that's right for them.
⭐ What Parents Are Saying
"Cheryl was someone we never knew we needed! A friend recommended her, and we are so glad she did. Cheryl guided our daughter through the college application process, helped her discover what she truly wanted, and gave her the confidence to move forward. She took so much of the stress and emotion out of the process for our family. It was one of the best investments we made." — Pepper, Parent of a BestFit College Advisors Student
Student now attending the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Communication Sciences & Disorders.
Why Starting the Common App Early Matters
Many families assume the Common App is simply a form students complete.
It is much more than that.
The application asks students to tell their story through:
their academic experiences
activities
accomplishments
interests
personal essay
college-specific questions
The application is an opportunity for colleges to understand the person behind the grades and achievements.
One of the most common things I hear from families is:
“My student is a great kid, but we don’t know where to begin.”
That feeling is completely normal.
The college application process has many moving parts, and beginning early gives students time to reflect, organize, and make thoughtful decisions.
What Should Students Do Now?
Before senior year becomes overwhelming, students should focus on these important first steps:
✓ Create their Common App account
✓ Review the essay prompts
✓ Begin brainstorming essay ideas
✓ Organize activities, leadership roles, and accomplishments
✓ Research colleges and requirements
✓ Create a timeline for deadlines and next steps
Remember:
The goal in August is not perfection. The goal is progress.
Understanding the Common App
The Common Application, often called the Common App, is an online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges using one main application.
However, families should understand that many colleges have additional requirements, including:
supplemental essays
short answer responses
portfolios
interviews
scholarship applications
financial aid forms
This is why organization is so important.
A strong application can still become stressful if students miss deadlines or overlook additional requirements.
1. Create an Account and Become Familiar With the Portal
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until fall to begin exploring the Common App.
I have seen students open the application in September and immediately feel overwhelmed by how much information they need to gather.
Creating an account early allows students to:
explore each section
understand what information is needed
review essay prompts
organize activities
become comfortable with the process
I often remind students:
“You do not need to climb the entire staircase in one day. You just need to take the first step.”
2. Begin the Personal Essay Conversation Early
Many students believe they need an extraordinary story to write a strong college essay.
That is one of the biggest misconceptions I see.
Some of the most memorable essays come from:
everyday experiences
personal growth
challenges
relationships
moments that shaped who the student has become
Admissions officers are not looking for perfection.
They want to understand the person behind the application.
A question I encourage students to consider is:
“What do I want colleges to understand about me that they cannot see anywhere else in my application?”
Many students initially tell me:
“I don’t have anything interesting to write about.”
But after thoughtful conversation about their experiences, values, interests, and goals, meaningful stories often emerge.
The best essays usually begin with reflection — not a blank page.
3. Give the Activities Section the Attention It Deserves
Many students underestimate how much thought goes into the activities section.
Students need to summarize years of:
clubs
athletics
employment
volunteering
leadership
family responsibilities
personal commitments
Colleges are not simply counting activities. Admissions officers are looking at how students have spent their time, what matters to them, and the impact they've made through their involvement—not just the number of activities listed.
They are looking for:
commitment
growth
initiative
leadership
impact
A student who demonstrates dedication and involvement in meaningful areas can often tell a stronger story than a student who simply lists many activities.
4. Create a System Before Senior Year Gets Busy
Senior year is exciting — but it is also demanding.
Students are balancing:
classes
homework
sports
jobs
activities
applications
essays
recommendation letters
Organization can make a tremendous difference.
Students should create a system that works for them:
spreadsheet
calendar
planner
checklist
Track:
deadlines
essay requirements
recommendations
application progress
financial aid requirements
A little organization now can prevent a lot of stress later.
Final Thoughts
The Common App opening does not mean your student needs to have everything completed immediately.
It means now is the time to begin thoughtfully.
Starting early, staying organized, and having a clear plan can reduce stress for both students and parents during one of the busiest years of high school.
The college application process is about more than checking boxes.
It is about helping students understand themselves, tell their story, and find colleges where they can truly thrive.
At BestFit College Advisors, I work with students and families throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, providing personalized guidance from college list development through final application submission.
The Common App isn't simply about getting applications submitted. It's about helping students tell their story with confidence and finding colleges where they can truly thrive. Starting early gives them the time—and the confidence—to do just that.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The Common App opening is the beginning of an exciting journey—not a race to the finish. With a thoughtful plan and personalized guidance, your student can approach senior year with confidence instead of stress.
If your rising senior is preparing for college applications, I'd love to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your student's goals and learn how BestFit College Advisors can support your family every step of the way.
Whether you're looking for comprehensive college advising or simply need focused support through my Common App Coaching Module, I offer personalized guidance to meet your family's unique needs.
Senior year will be busy—but the college application process doesn't have to be overwhelming. The best time to start is now.
More Parent Feedback
"We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support Cheryl provided throughout Aaron's college application process. Her knowledge, responsiveness, and thoughtful advice reduced stress and gave our son confidence every step of the way."—
Kathy Beaulieu Pickering Parent of a student attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Cheryl Coughlin, M.Ed. Founder,
BestFit College Advisors
(207) 229-8603
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