Are You Common App Ready?
Meredith Lombardi, Common App (VA)Pat Wrobel, Binghamton University (NY)
August 19, 2020
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
If necessary, click the RESET button to reposition the footer text above the picture.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
About us
Patricia (Pat) Wrobel, MA, MBA● Binghamton University, SUNY International Admissions● With Binghamton for over 30 years● Spent 10 years with global electronics firm
Meredith Lombardi, M.Ed● Common App’s Access & Equity team● Former school counselor in Washington, DC and Georgia● Emory University (BBA), University of Maryland (M.Ed)
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
If necessary, click the RESET button to reposition the footer text above the picture.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
Agenda
● Binghamton University overview● Common App community● Approaching the application● Tools you can use● Your questions
To change the picture to your own:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose “Change Background”
3. Select “Choose Image”
4. Insert a new picture from the shared “Photography” Google folder
What excites you about going to college?
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
5
Welcome to Binghamton University!
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
6
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
7
ONE UNIVERSITY, SIX COLLEGESHarpur College of Arts and Sciences
College of Community and Public Affairs
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
School of Management
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
8
▪ Undergraduate students: 14,021
▪ Graduate students: 3,747
▪ Total applications: 41,739
▪ First-year enrolled: 2,906
▪ Transfers enrolled: 1,024
▪ International students: 2,251▪ 908 undergraduate students▪ 1,343 graduate students ▪ from 100 countries
(fall 2019 data)
Student profile
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
9
Binghamton by the numbers▪ High school GPA (mid-50%): 93-98/3.7-3.9
▪ Transfer GPA (mid-50%): 3.3- 3.8
▪ SAT (mid 50%)▪ Math: 660-740▪ Evidence-based reading and writing: 640-710
▪ ACT (mid-50%): 29–32
▪ First-year retention rate: 92% ▪ (national average among public is 62%)
▪ Transfer-student retention rate: 88%
▪ Academic offerings: 130+ (fall 2019 data)
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
10
Binghamton University 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry▪ Distinguished Professor of
Chemistry and Materials Science M. Stanley Whittingham won for his pioneering research leading to the development of the lithium-ion battery
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
11
▪ English proficiency▪ We accept TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT or
Duolingo scores as proof of English proficiency
▪ SAT/ACT▪ Binghamton is SAT/ACT optional for all
schools and programs for spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters
COVID-19 updates
To change the background:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose Format Background
3. Select a different color
Note 1:Background colors should be limited to our primary palette: Green, Teal, Sky, Blue, and Navy.
Note 2: Presentations should only utilize 1 Divider style, not mix and match.
Note 3: The concluding slide (thank you/questions) should match your chosen divider style.
Common App community
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Common App is a non-profit membership organization committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.
Num
ber o
f Mem
bers
Today: 922
629
276
156
116
15
Growth in membership 1975 – 2019
Who we are
Members922
US States, DC, & PR 50
International Members 62
Countries outside the US
18
New members and counting 40
2020-2021 New members
Public Institutions• Auburn University (AL)
• Augusta University (GA)
• Clemson University (SC)
• Coastal Carolina University (SC)
• Lake Superior State University (MI)
• Norfolk State University (VA)
• Northern Illinois University (IL)
• Richard Bland College of William and Mary (VA)
• Texas Tech University (TX)
• The University of Texas at Dallas (TX)
• The University of Texas at San Antonio (TX)
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs (CO)
• University of Georgia (GA)
• University of Louisville (KY)
• University of Maryland (MD)
• University of South Florida (FL)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
• Virginia Tech (VA)
• Winthrop University (SC)
US states 20Public institutions 19
commonapp.org/blog © 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
The applicants213
countries and
territories1Mapplicants
9% int’l
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Top 10 countries
• China (30%)• India (7.9%)• Canada (3.9%)• Korea (3.0%)• Pakistan (2.7%)• United Arab Emirates (2.2%)• Nigeria (2.0%)• United Kingdom (1.9%)• Vietnam (1.9%)• Ghana (1.8%)…• Japan (#22)
Common App in JapanTop 15 receiving institutions• New York University• Boston University• Northeastern University• University of Southern California• University of Michigan• Stanford University• Brown University• Yale University• Fordham University• Cornell University• Harvard University• University of Pennsylvania• Tufts University• Columbia University• Purdue University
576 applicants
3,500 applications
399Colleges and universities
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Common App stands by every international student seeking post-secondary educationin the United States.
To change the background:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose Format Background
3. Select a different color
Note 1:Background colors should be limited to our primary palette: Green, Teal, Sky, Blue, and Navy.
Note 2: Presentations should only utilize 1 Divider style, not mix and match.
Note 3: The concluding slide (thank you/questions) should match your chosen divider style.
Approaching the application
commonapp.org
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
• Expanded filter options- First-year / transfer- Enrollment size- Campus setting- Merit / need-based aid- Test-optional- Accepts self-reported test scores- Offers aid for international
students
• Map and list views of colleges
• PDF export of college lists
commonapp.org/explore
Explore colleges
Visit fairtest.org for list of test-optional schools for Fall 2021 admissions
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
• Details on application requirements• Virtual tours and image galleries• Ability for colleges to showcase
specialized programs
commonapp.org/explore
College details
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
If necessary, click the RESET button to reposition the footer text above the picture.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
Plan for college
• College roadmaps for middle school, high school, community college, and military students
• Application and Recommender Guides• Learn about paying for college• Parent resources
commonapp.org/plan
commonapp.org
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Account rollover
Username & password
remain the same.
What rolls over?
A student’s college list and answers to questions on the Common App tab.
● Profile● Family● Education● Testing● Activites● Writing● Courses & Grades
What does NOT roll over? Anything on the My Colleges tab, including the FERPA release authorization, recommender invitations, or answers to college-specific questions.
The Common App launches on August 1 each year, but students don’t have to wait until then.
Navigating the application
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Searching for a college is simple with a type-ahead search field and additional search filters
Navigating the application
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
• The Common App tab is where you go to complete the main sections of the application
• Embedded videos, FAQs, and links to Common App support provide assistance throughout the application
Navigating the application
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Required questions are marked with a red asterisk
How do I report my class rank and GPA?
You should report your current Class Rank and GPA, even if they might change later in the school year. If your school does not rank, select "None" from the drop down menu. If your school calculates both weighted and unweighted Class Rank/GPA, report the weighted value. If your school does not calculate a cumulative numerical GPA, or if it uses a GPA scale that is different than the options available in the drop down menu, leave the Cumulative GPA field blank. This field is not required for submission of your application. You can always use the Additional Information prompt in the Writing section to elaborate.
appsupport.commonapp.org
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Activities Section
Reporting activities and experiences helps colleges better understand your life outside of the classroom.
• Report up to 10 activities• Estimate the amount of time spent in each
activity
To change the picture to your own:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose “Change Background”
3. Select “Choose Image”
4. Insert a new picture from the shared “Photography” Google folder
What experiences and activities have been most meaningful to you?
Choose from 7 different essay prompts● Personal Growth● Facing Adversity● Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent● Intellectual Curiosity● Problem Solving● Challenging an Idea● Topic of Your Choice
The essay helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice.
The writing section also includes an Additional Information section you can use to share more (optional).
Pro tip: You can use content from Google Drive in your application.
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Writing section
❛ ❛The essay is your opportunity to shine; it gives you the creative freedom to express yourself in an authentic and insightful manner.- Ursinus College (PA)
Be as genuine as possible.- Merrimack College (MA)
Be true to yourself!- Cooper Union (NY)
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
COVID-19 question
New question for 2020-2021 application
Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. For more information, check out our COVID-19 FAQ.
● Optional● 250 word limit● Located in the Additional Information section● Separate from the existing Additional Information
question, which remains (650 word limit)
commonapp.org/blog
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Care Counts in Crisis
More than 350 college admissions deans across the country signed a collective statement offering advice to college applicants about how to think about their applications in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
Making Caring Common@MCCHarvardEd
We wish to underscore our commitment to equity and to encourage in students self-care, balance, meaningful learning, and care for others. More specifically, we value the following:
● Self-care. Encouraging students to take care of themselves● Academic work. Assessed in the context of obstacles faced● Service and contributions to others. Responding to
community needs created by the pandemic● Family contributions. Supervising younger siblings, caring for
sick relatives, or working to provide family income● Extracurricular and summer activities. No student will be
disadvantaged for not engaging in extracurricular activities during this time
To change the picture to your own:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose “Change Background”
3. Select “Choose Image”
4. Insert a new picture from the shared “Photography” Google folder
What do you want colleges to know about YOU?
My Colleges
© 2019 The Common Application, Inc.
My Colleges includes detailed information and requirements for each college on a student’s list.
• Complete the FERPA Release Authorization
• Invite recommenders
• Answer college-specific questions
• Submit application
• Submit writing supplements, if applicable
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Counselor
● Completes school forms and sends transcript
● Writes letter of recommendation (40% require)
● Can view your completion progress and a PDF copy of your application (with your permission)
Recommender types
Teacher Other recommender
Advisor
● No school requires more than 2
● Completes teacher evaluation and writes letter of recommendation (42% require)
● Optional● Examples include
- Arts teacher outside of school
- Clergy- Coach- College access
counselor- Employer- Family member- Peer- Other
● Optional● You can invite up to 3
advisors● Advisors do not
submit any forms● Can view your
completion progress and a PDF copy of your application (with your permission)
© 2019 The Common Application, Inc.
Transcripts, recommendations, and school forms are only sent to colleges when students submit their Common App.
Written evaluations
Colleges that invite letters of recommendation are looking for stories that will help them better evaluate a student for academic potential and fit within their community.
❛ ❛Letters of recommendation provide an outside perspective and add important commentary to complement the grades, standardized test scores and additional information found in a student’s application. They help us look past the numbers and learn more about who the student is, what they will add to our campus and whether they may be the best fit for our school.
-Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
To change the picture to your own:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose “Change Background”
3. Select “Choose Image”
4. Insert a new picture from the shared “Photography” Google folder
Who would you ask to write a letter of recommendation for you? Why?
Tips for presenting your best self
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
● Avoid mentioning another college in your Why College X essay
● Don’t just list your activities● Have others read your application
To change the background:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose Format Background
3. Select a different color
Note 1:Background colors should be limited to our primary palette: Green, Teal, Sky, Blue, and Navy.
Note 2: Presentations should only utilize 1 Divider style, not mix and match.
Note 3: The concluding slide (thank you/questions) should match your chosen divider style.
Tools you can use
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Common App
● Explore Common App’s 900+ member colleges
● Virtual tours and image galleries
commonapp.org/explore
Virtual College Exploration
NACAC StriveScan Cialfo
● Free virtual college fairs● Connect with hundreds of
admission reps via live and interactive Zoom sessions
○ Sunday, Sep 13○ Monday, Oct 12○ Sunday, Oct 18○ Sunday, Nov 8
virtualcollegefairs.org
● Free● View recordings of virtual
presentations to explore college opportunities
● 500+ colleges in 47 states and 13 countries
strivescan.com/virtual
● Free● Online University Fair● View recordings of
university presentations from International Weekend (May 22-24)
explore.cialfo.co/webinars
Common App Ready
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
A toolkit of tips and best practices to help you with each step of the application process
● Getting started● Preparing your application● Telling your story● Working with recommenders and advisors● Paying for college
commonapp.org/ready
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
You can use this slide as-is.
To change the picture, delete the existing image, then click the Picture icon to insert another.
Don’t worry! The Picture icon will not appear in Slide Show View.
Also, this box will not print or display in Slide Show View.
24/7 support
Help when you need it!
● Frequently Asked Questions● Known issues● Contact support● Live member schools● Writing requirements resource
appsupport.commonapp.orgrecsupport.commonapp.org
Reach Higher
A Student’s Guide to Your First Year of College
Created in partnership with Michelle Obama and Reach Higher, YouTube Originals and NowThis produced a 10-episode crash course for students entering college. The series covers topics ranging from financial management to finding mentors and friends to living on your own.
A Year of Firsts
Michelle Obama partnered with the digital media company ATTN: to launch A Year of Firsts video series on IGTV showing inspiring stories about four students navigating their first year of college.
reachhigher.orgbettermakeroom.org
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Better Make Room
© 2019 The Common Application, Inc.
Saying thingsout loudmakes them happen
bettermakeroom.org#bettermakeroom
© 2020 The Common Application, Inc.
Connect with #commonapp, #reachhigher and #bettermakeroom
@CommonApp@ReachHigher@BetterMakeRoom
@CommonApp@ReachHigher@BetterMakeRoom
@CommonApp@ReachHigher2020@BetterMakeRoom
CommonAppMediaBetterMakeRoom
To change the picture to your own:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose “Change Background”
3. Select “Choose Image”
4. Insert a new picture from the shared “Photography” Google folder
What next steps do you want to take on your pre-college journey?
To change the background:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose Format Background
3. Select a different color
Note 1:Background colors should be limited to our primary palette: Green, Teal, Sky, Blue, and Navy.
Note 2: Presentations should only utilize 1 Divider style, not mix and match.
Note 3: The concluding slide (thank you/questions) should match your chosen divider style.
Your questions
We’re committed to continuous improvement:ideas.commonapp.org
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
49
Questions?▪ Contact Patricia (Pat) Wrobel: [email protected]
▪ Request more information: Scan QR code
▪ Email: [email protected]
▪ Apply: binghamton.edu/admissions/apply/international
▪ Schedule a personal Zoom meeting: connect.binghamton.edu/portal/virtual-meetings
▪ Social media:▪ Facebook: International Students at Binghamton University▪ YouTube: Search Binghamton University Channel ▪ Instagram: @binghamtonadmissions
To change the background:
1. Right-click in an empty area on the slide
2. Choose Format Background
3. Select a different color
Note 1:Background colors should be limited to our primary palette: Green, Teal, Sky, Blue, and Navy.
Note 2: Presentations should only utilize 1 Divider style, not mix and match.
Note 3: The concluding slide (thank you/questions) should match your chosen divider style.
Thank you
Please visit appsupport.commonapp.org or email us at [email protected] with any questions.