Attention students! Starting from August 1st, with the opening of the Common Application (CA) online application system, the 2022 Undergraduate Application Season for American Universities has finally officially begun. Students who are interested in applying for the 2021-2022 U.S. university undergraduate program should hurry up and take action
1What is the CA online application system?
The CA Online Application System, whose full name is Common App, is an online application system used annually by more than 3 million applicants, teachers, and counselors across the United States and around the world.
The emergence of the CA system has greatly simplified the college application process for students, and is the largest coverage of institutions in the three major application systems (CA, UC, CAAS) of American colleges and universities, and nearly 950 American colleges and universities currently use the CA system.
2What are the changes in the CA system this year?
In order to make it more accessible and more equitable and inclusive, CA's new filing system has made a series of updates and improvements, and these changes have taken effect on August 1.
The first is some adjustments to the collection of application information, including:
1. The issue of school discipline has been deleted;
2. Removed the issue of military discharge;
3. Amendments have been made to citizenship, family and geographical issues;
4. Gender issues have been revised;
5. Removed questions about religious preferences.
In addition, there are two more important changes to the CA system this year.
One is that the institutions covered by the CA application system have changed. Compared with last year, more than 60 universities have newly joined the Common App system this year.
For example, all Illinois public universities will use the Common App, and Illinois became the first state in the United States to require all public four-year universities in the state to use the Common App for applications.
In response, Jeff Mavros, director of admissions at Illinois State University, said: "Allowing students to apply using the Common App will make it easier for students in Illinois, the Midwest, and nationwide to reach colleges." ”
Other new schools joining the Common App system include:
James Madison University
Pratt College of the Arts
Portland State University
University of Alabama
……
The specific list of all schools covered by the Common app has been released simultaneously on August 1, 2021, when the Common app opens. You can log in to the website to see a list of new member schools by name, region, or state, as well as a full list of all over 900 Common App member schools:
https://www.commonapp.org/explore/
Another important change is the renewal of the title of the main instrument of the application.
The main instrument for 2021 still maintains a seven-out-of-one pattern. Most of these questions are no different from last year, except that question 4 is a different perspective, focusing more on changes in ideology and cognition and the impact on individuals than last year. The titles of this year's instrument are as follows:
#1■ Some students have meaningful backgrounds, characteristics, interests, or talents that they feel will be incomplete without displaying them in their applications. If this is you, please share your story.
#2■ The lessons we learn from our predicament are the foundation for future success. Think about when you face challenges, setbacks, or failures. How has this affected you and what have you learned from it?
#3■ Think about when you have questions or challenges about a belief or idea. Why do you think that? The result?
#4 ■ Think about the things that others have done for you that make you happy or grateful in surprising ways, and how does that gratitude affect or motivate you?
#5■ Describe an achievement, event, or realization that allows you to grow or to reacquaint yourself or others.
#6■ Describe a theme, idea, or concept that makes you so engaged that you forget time. Why does it appeal to you? If you wanted to learn more, what would you look for or whose help would you seek?
#7■ Write an essay on any topic of your choice. It could be a propositional essay you've written before or an essay on a topic of your choice.
An alternative question about COVID-19 is also retained: "Share the impact of the pandemic on you personally and academically." ”
Note: Last year's question 4 read: "Describe a problem that you have solved or want to solve." It could be a knowledge challenge, a research problem, or a moral dilemma — anything that is important to the individual, no matter how big or small. ”
In short, as the second epidemic application season, compared with last year, everyone still has some experience to refer to. In the editor's view, being prepared in advance and trying to be thoughtful is the key to getting an offer.
Whether it is further efforts in language tests and standardized scores, or some improvement in other application materials such as documents, there will not be too much time left for everyone. Please also pay attention to every minute before the deadline and complete the application as soon as possible!
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