📚 Common App Guide: How to Fill Out the Common Application | Common Application 系统填写指南
The Common Application, widely known as the Common App, is a single online college admission application platform used by over 1,000 universities and colleges worldwide. It streamlines the process by allowing students to fill in core information once and submit it to multiple schools. However, navigating each section carefully is essential, as admissions officers evaluate every detail for consistency, authenticity, and demonstration of your unique strengths. This guide breaks down the entire form step by step, from account creation to final submission, with practical tips to avoid common mistakes.
Common Application（通用申请系统，简称 Common App）是一个被全球 1000 多所大学采用的在线大一入学申请平台。学生只需填写一次核心信息，即可同时提交给多所院校，大大简化了申请流程。但每个板块都需要仔细斟酌，因为招生官会从各个细节评估你的背景一致性、真实性和个人特质。本指南将逐步拆解整份表格，从创建账户到最终提交，并提供实用建议，帮你避开常见误区。
1. Getting Started: Creating Your Account | 开始：创建账户
Visit commonapp.org and select 'Apply' to create a new account. You must enter a valid email address that you check frequently, as colleges use it for official correspondence. Choose a professional email address – ideally one with your name rather than nicknames. Record your login credentials securely; the system also offers two-factor authentication for safety. After registration, you will select your application year and indicate whether you are a first-year or transfer student, which sets up the correct form version.
访问 commonapp.org，点击“申请”创建新账户。务必填写一个你经常查看的有效邮箱，因为大学将用它发送所有正式通知。邮箱地址建议使用包含你姓名的专业版本，避免用昵称。请安全保存登录信息；系统也支持双重认证以提高安全性。注册后需选择申请年份，并标明是新生还是转学生，这决定了你拿到哪一套表格。
2. Adding Colleges to Your List | 添加大学到你的列表
Once logged in, go to the 'College Search' tab to find schools you are interested in, then click the blue 'Add' button. Your 'My Colleges' list will display each institution along with deadlines, required supplements, and recommender invitations. You can add up to 20 schools. Research each college's specific requirements early, as some have separate writing supplements, additional testing rules, or residency forms. Remove any college you decide not to apply to, but note that once an application is submitted to a school, it cannot be removed from your list.
登录后进入“大学搜索”页面，查找你感兴趣的学校，点击蓝色“添加”按钮。你的“我的大学”列表会显示每所学校的截止日期、必需的补充材料和推荐人邀请方式。最多可以添加 20 所学校。尽早研究每所大学的具体要求，因为有些包含独立的写作补充、不同的标化成绩政策或居住证明表格。如果决定不申请某所学校，可以将其移除，但一旦已提交申请，就不能从列表中删除了。
3. Personal Information | 个人信息
This section covers basic profile details: legal name, date of birth, citizenship, and address. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on official documents; mismatches can delay processing. For gender and pronoun options, the Common App allows you to share your legal sex, gender identity, and preferred pronouns, though some fields are optional for those who do not wish to disclose. The contact information fields are straightforward – ensure your permanent and current addresses are accurate, especially if you move frequently.
这个部分涵盖基本档案：法定姓名、出生日期、国籍与居住地址。法定姓名务必与官方证件完全一致，任何出入都可能导致审理延误。在性别与代名词选项中，Common App 允许填报法定性别、性别认同和偏好代名词，部分字段为选填，不想透露的申请人可以留空。联系信息相对简单，但要确保永久地址和当前住址准确无误，特别是对于经常搬迁的同学。
4. Family Information | 家庭信息
You will list your parent(s) or guardian(s), including their education levels and current occupations. The 'Household' subsection asks about your parents' marital status and with whom you reside. It is fine to indicate 'I do not wish to provide' if you prefer not to disclose certain details, but honest answers help provide context for your background. If a parent attended college, indicate their degree type and the institution, as some colleges consider legacy status. You can also mention siblings' names, ages, and education levels; this information can highlight unique family circumstances.
你需要列出父母或监护人的信息，包括教育程度和当前职业。“家庭概况”部分会询问父母的婚姻状况以及你与谁同住。如果不愿透露某些细节，可以选择“我不希望提供”，但如实回答有助于招生官理解你的成长背景。如果父母曾读过大学，请注明学位类型及院校——部分大学会考虑传承录取因素。你还可以填写兄弟姐妹的姓名、年龄和教育状况，这些信息可能反映出独特的家庭环境。
5. Education History | 教育经历
Report your current secondary school and any previous schools you have attended since Year 9 (or age 14). You must include an explanation for any gaps in enrollment or interruption in schooling. If you attended college courses during high school, list them under 'Colleges & Universities.' For class rank and GPA, only enter what appears on your official transcript; do not estimate. The 'Current or Most Recent Year Courses' section requires you to list all courses you are taking in your final year of secondary school, including full course titles as they appear on your schedule.
填写你当前就读的中学以及从九年级（或 14 岁起）以来就读过的所有学校。任何就读空档或中断都需要提供解释。如果你在高中期间修读了大学课程，请在“学院及大学”部分列明。关于年级排名和 GPA，仅填写成绩单上实际显示的内容，切勿估算。“当前或最近一年的课程”部分要求列出高三（12 年级）修读的全部课程，务必采用课表上的完整课程名称。
6. Testing Section (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.) | 考试成绩部分 (SAT, ACT, AP 等)
Self-report your standardized test scores only if you want colleges to consider them; many schools are test-optional or test-blind. For SAT/ACT, enter the highest composite and individual section dates and scores. For AP, IB, or A-Level results, include exam names and scores if you have them, but note that official reports are usually required upon enrollment. If you have not taken any tests or plan to apply test-optional, simply leave this section blank – do not fabricate scores. Always verify each college's testing policy on their admissions website.
只有当你希望大学参考标化成绩时才自行填报；许多学校现在实行标化选交或不看标化政策。对于 SAT/ACT，输入综合最高分及各分项的日期与分数。AP、IB 或 A-Level 成绩如有，可填上考试名称与分数，但录取后通常需提交官方成绩单。如果未参加考试或打算选择 test-optional，保持该部分空白即可——切勿编造分数。务必在学校招生官网核对每所大学的具体标化政策。
7. Activities & Work Experience | 课外活动与工作经历
The Activities section allows you to list up to 10 extracurricular involvements, including community service, clubs, sports, family responsibilities, internships, and paid work. For each activity, indicate your role, the organization, and a short description (150 characters) emphasizing your contributions and impact. You must also specify hours per week, weeks per year, and whether you plan to continue in college. Arrange entries in order of importance to you, not necessarily by prestige. Colleges value depth and commitment over a long list of brief memberships.
活动部分最多可填报 10 项课外参与，包括社区服务、社团、体育、家庭责任、实习和带薪工作。每项活动需填写你的角色、组织名称，并用 150 字符的简短描述突出你的贡献与影响。还必须注明每周投入小时数、每年周数，以及是否计划在大学继续。请按对你个人重要程度排序，而非按名气大小。招生官更看重深度投入和持续性，而非一堆浅尝辄止的经历。
8. Writing the Personal Essay | 撰写个人文书
The Common App personal essay offers seven prompts, and you must select one and write a response of 250–650 words. This is your opportunity to showcase your voice, reflections, and personal growth. Start with brainstorming memorable stories that reveal your character, values, or the way you think. Avoid clichés like mission trips or winning the big game unless you present a fresh, specific angle. Draft multiple versions, read aloud, and seek feedback from trusted teachers or counselors. Keep the focus on you and avoid repeating information visible elsewhere in the application.
Common App 个人文书提供七个题目，你需要选择一个并撰写 250–650 词的回答。这是展示你的声音、反思和成长的好机会。先头脑风暴那些能揭示性格、价值观或思维方式的难忘故事。避免陈词滥调，比如志愿者旅行或赢得一场比赛，除非你能写出新颖独特的角度。多写几稿，大声朗读，并请信赖的老师或升学顾问提供反馈。始终以自己为中心，不要重复申请表中其他部分已经体现的信息。
9. Additional Information Section | 补充信息部分
This optional space (650 words) is where you can address extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic performance, such as illness, family hardship, or natural disasters. Use it carefully: admissions officers do not want excuses but context that helps them understand anomalies in your record. You could also explain an unusual grading system, a non-traditional course arrangement, or significant time commitments like caring for a family member. If you have nothing significant to add, leave it blank; unnecessary text can dilute the strength of your application.
这是选填空间（上限 650 词），可用于解释影响学业表现的特殊情况，例如疾病、家庭困难或自然灾害。使用时务必谨慎：招生官不想听借口，而是需要理解成绩单上反常之处的背景信息。你也可以说明非常规评分体系、非传统课程安排，或照顾家人等重大时间投入。如果没有实质内容需要补充，就留白；多余的描述反而会稀释申请材料的整体力量。
10. Supplemental College Questions and Writing Supplements | 补充大学问题与写作补充
Many colleges have their own additional questions that appear under the 'My Colleges' tab once you add them. These can range from short-answer prompts (50–150 words) like 'Why this major?' or 'Why our college?' to full-length essays on specific topics. Research each college's culture, programs, and values to write tailored responses that demonstrate genuine interest. Avoid generic phrases; mention specific professors, research opportunities, or student organizations. Start early, as supplements often require as much time as the personal essay. Copy-paste answers cautiously, customizing them for each institution.
添加大学之后，不少学校会在“我的大学”下显示各自的补充问题。题型可能包括短问答（50–150 词），如“为何选择本专业？”、“为何申请我校？”，也可能是针对特定话题的长篇文书。仔细研究每所学校的文化、课程特色和价值观，写出有针对性的回答，展现真实的兴趣。避免泛泛而谈；提到具体教授、科研机会或学生组织。尽早动手，因为补充文书所需时间往往不亚于主文书。谨慎使用复制粘贴，每个回答都必须为学校量身定制。
11. Recommenders and FERPA | 推荐人与 FERPA
You must invite your counselor, teachers, and any other recommenders through the Common App's recommender system. First, you need to complete the FERPA waiver, which asks whether you waive your right to access recommendation letters. Waiving is generally recommended, as it signals confidence in your recommender and assures colleges of the letter's candid nature. Provide each recommender with your resume, a list of highlights, and clear deadlines. Send invitations early, at least a month before the deadline, and follow up politely. Track submission status in the 'Recommenders and FERPA' section.
你需要通过 Common App 的推荐人系统邀请升学指导老师、学科老师和其他推荐人。在此之前，必须填好 FERPA 授权，也就是你是否放弃查阅推荐信的权利。通常建议放弃，这显示你对推荐人的信任，也让大学确信推荐信的真实性。向每位推荐人提供你的简历、亮点清单和明确的截止日期。尽早发出邀请，至少提前一个月，并礼貌跟进。可在“推荐人和 FERPA”部分随时查看提交状态。
12. Review and Submit | 检查并提交
Before submitting any application, use the 'Review and Submit' preview to proofread every field. Check for typos, formatting inconsistencies, and missing responses in required fields. Print or save a PDF copy for your records. Ensure that your personal essay and supplements are the correct versions for each school. Pay the application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible. Once you submit, you cannot make changes through the Common App, although you can upload updated test scores or contact colleges directly for minor corrections. Mark deadlines on your calendar and submit at least a day early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
在提交任何申请前，使用“检查并提交”预览逐项校对。仔细排查拼写错误、格式不统一和必答遗漏。打印或保存 PDF 副本留底。确认送出的个人文书和补充材料是针对该校的正确版本。支付申请费，或符合条件时可申请费用减免。一旦提交，就无法再通过 Common App 修改，但你可以后续上传更新的标化成绩，或直接联系大学进行微小更正。在日历上标好截止日期，至少提前一天提交，以避开最后一刻的技术故障。
Published by TutorHao | Common Application Guidance | aleveler.com
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