IN 2025, 90% OF OUR STUDENTS
GOT INTO THE TOP 20 US UNIVERSITIES.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS GUIDANCE
GATHER MATERIALS
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
ADD
COLLEGES
REQUEST RECOMMENDERS
WRITE
ESSAYS
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
GATHER MATERIALS
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
ADD
COLLEGES
REQUEST RECOMMENDERS
WRITE
ESSAYS
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
To create a Common App account, you simply have to add your basic details, create login credentials, complete your registration process, and select “create account.”
In this section, you will provide information about your academics, including schools and colleges attended, grades, special courses, reporting GPA, cumulative GPA, summer programs, degrees if applicable, and academic honors from across your four years of high school.
If your school does not provide a GPA, you can simply leave that section blank. While filling in the “future plans” section, if you’re unsure about your career path, we recommend you choose a more unconventional option to help you stand out.
Subsequently, you will complete the standardized testing section, indicating the number of test attempts you’ve taken and your highest scores in each.
The “written responses” or essays are an opportunity to share your personal journey with admissions officers and really win them over through thoughtful reflection and poignant insights.
In the “Additional Information” section, you may include any additional activities worth mentioning that could not fit into the “Activity” section. You can also add any important context you’d like colleges to know about your application.
When you invite your recommender, they will receive a link through which to provide your recommendation. When selecting your recommenders, you should prioritize quality, diversity, and recency. Your teachers will be able to testify to your character, your contribution to your peer community, and your ability to thrive in college.
You will subsequently complete the FERPA Release Authorization, which grants your high school permission to send your records on your behalf.
Submit our 2-minute form for a complimentary consultation with Athena’s experts — we’ll walk you through the process.