What is the Common App?

The Common Application is a single college application that can be used at more than 800 colleges and universities across the country.  A vast assortment of schools – public, private, large, small, secular, and religious – use the Common Application to simplify and streamline the college application for over one million students each year.

Because colleges request a large amount of information from applicants, use of the Common App simplifies the process by collecting much of that information all in one place. This prevents students from repeating the details of their background, education, activities, and testing over and over again, for every school on their list. It also enables students to manage deadlines and school-specific tasks through the Common app system.

What schools use the Common App?

More than 800 colleges across the country use the Common App.  In Minnesota alone, schools such as the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the University of St. Thomas, St. Benedict’s, St. John’s, St. Olaf, Carleton, Gustavus and Macalester use the Common App.  For a complete list of schools, please click here.

What is the Common App essay?

The Common App essay is the essay that admissions committees will use to get to you know you. While your test scores, academic courses and GPA will provide a quantitative picture of you, the Common App essay will give the admissions teams some sense of who you are and what you are like.  Successful students use the Common App essay to talk about what makes them unique and what matters most to them.

What is Breakaway’s Common App Writing Workshop?

Breakaway’s Common App Writing Workshop is a one-week intensive writing workshop to help students complete the Common App essay, the most important – and challenging – part of the Common App.  Sally Spector, a former attorney and content strategist, will lead the workshop and guide students through her innovative approach to brainstorming, organizing, and developing a compelling 650-word Common App essay.

Breakaway’s Writing Workshop includes the following:

  • Training in and use of a proven, effective story-based technique to develop and write a personal story that creates a strong connection with its readers
  • Support in writing a first, second and final draft
  • Professional reviews of each draft
  • Insights on how to polish the essay
  • Ten hours of one-on-one and small group time with Sally to ensure progress and success!
  • Access to office hours in an environment conducive to creativity and writing

The cost for this limited enrollment workshop is just $995.  Enroll by April 1st to take advantage of our early bird discount and pay just $745!  Enrollment limited to just eight students.

Two workshops to choose from:

  • July 8 Start: Group classes 7/8 & 7/11; One-on-one coaching 7/9 & 7/12*
  • August 5 Start: Group classes 8/5 & 8/ 8; One-on-one coaching 8/6 & 8/9*

*Alternative days available for final coaching times

To learn more or to register, contact Sally Spector at [email protected] or 612-812-2915.