To help you stay organized and confident, we’ve created a 10-point checklist that covers the essential steps you should take before hitting “submit” on your Common App.

1. Verify Basic Information

Start by ensuring all your personal details are correct in the Profile section. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if you plan to apply for financial aid). Double-checking this information is crucial, as errors here could lead to delays in processing your application.

2. Double-Check Family Information

Next, review the Family section to make sure details about your parents and siblings are accurately entered. Be particularly mindful of questions that might seem straightforward but could lead to mistakes, such as whether you have children of your own.

3. Confirm Education History

In the Education section, verify your high school entry and graduation dates, your GPA, and class rank if applicable. Also, ensure that any additional courses, such as summer or dual enrollment classes, are correctly listed.

4. Review Your 12th-Grade Courses

Ensure that your 12th-grade course schedule is accurately reflected in the Current or Most Recent Year Courses section. Don’t forget to include all courses for the entire year, but note that non-academic periods like office aide or early release don’t need to be reported.

5. Verify Academic Honors

The Honors section should only include academic achievements. Common examples are AP Scholar awards, National Merit recognitions, and membership in the National Honor Society. Make sure each honor is accurately described and relevant.

6. Check Test Scores

If you’re applying with test scores, it’s important to verify that all reported ACT/SAT scores are correct. For AP exams, only include scores of 4 or 5, and be sure to list any future AP tests you plan to take with the expected test date.

7. Review the Activities Section

Take time to ensure the Activities section is complete and accurate. Check that each activity is categorized correctly, and that you’ve prioritized them from most to least important based on their significance in your high school career.

8. Polish Your Common App Essay

In the Writing section, review your Common App essay to make sure there are no errors, especially those that might have occurred during the copy-and-paste process. This is your chance to showcase your writing skills, so make sure it’s polished and ready to impress.

9. Verify Courses and Grades (if applicable)

If the Courses and Grades section is required for your application, double-check that all information matches your unofficial transcript. Accuracy here is vital, as discrepancies can raise red flags with admissions officers.

10. Complete College-Specific Questions

Finally, under the My Colleges tab, ensure that all college-specific questions are answered accurately. Pay special attention to colleges that require additional writing supplements, and confirm that these are also submitted.