Common App Checklist
Confirm: personal information (address, family, school) is accurate; all activities are listed with descriptions; all honors are entered; the main personal statement is final and within word count; you have completed all required supplemental essays for each school; the FERPA waiver is signed; and you have reviewed the application for typos and factual accuracy one final time. Once submitted, the application is locked — you cannot edit it.
Recommendations
Verify in your Common App account that each required recommender has submitted their letter. Most portals show a status indicator. If a deadline is approaching and a letter is still pending, it is appropriate to send a polite reminder email to your recommender with the deadline date.
Test Scores
If you are submitting SAT or ACT scores, official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency — your self-reported scores on the application are for initial review only. Allow adequate processing time (College Board and ACT typically take 1–2 weeks for delivery). For AP scores, College Board sends them separately; most colleges don't require these for admission but may request them for placement.
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA and CSS Profile are separate from your application and have separate deadlines — often earlier than the application deadline at many schools. Begin these forms as early as October 1. Missing financial aid deadlines can affect the amount of aid you receive, even if you are admitted.
School-Specific Requirements
Some schools require additional items: arts supplements, interviews (by invitation), school forms, mid-year grade reports, or supplemental certifications. Check each school's requirements individually in their admissions portal.