https://northseattle.edu/college-transfer/common-application MB 12.1.2022
Common App FAQ
How do I know what is required by each of the schools I am applying to?
Each school will require different documents and supplemental materials. What the school requires is
not always clear on the common app website. Therefore, we recommend you check the website of the
school to find out which materials they would like submitted.
I need help! Where can I get information on how to navigate the common application website?
If you are having trouble navigating the common application website, you can find information and
video tutorials at the Common App Applicant Help Center: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/
Where is the submit button?
The submit button will appear after you have completed all the mandatory sections of the common
application.
How do I complete the College Report?
See instructions on the NSC Common App webpage for how to submit this report with NSC’s
Registration office: https://northseattle.edu/programs/college-transfer/common-application.
I can’t access the writing supplement! What do I do?
In some cases, you cannot access the writing supplement until you have completed the college specific
questions. Some writing supplements differ depending on the major/program you select on the school’s
specific page.
What is the mid-term report and who fills it out?
The mid-term report is a form that will help schools get a general indication of how you are performing
in your current courses. To complete the mid-term report, provide the form from the common app to
each of your instructors. They will need to list your current grade and sign the document. After you have
gathered all the required grades and signatures, you will need to mail a copy of the form to the
admissions office of each college to which you are applying. Be sure to retain the original copy for your
records.
Do I need to submit the mid-term report and the secondary report?
Some schools will require these two documents and some will not. Just because it appears listed in the
application does not mean that it is required. Check with the school you are applying to in order to be
sure that they require these documents.
I am an international student and the school I am applying to requires a secondary school report. Do I
need to get my secondary school in my home country to complete this?
Each university will have a different policy on whether they require this information from international
students who have attended secondary school outside the US. Contact the international admissions
department at the schools you are applying to in order to find out if this is required.
https://northseattle.edu/college-transfer/common-application MB 12.1.2022
The personal statement/writing prompt lists a word limit. Can I go over the word limit?
No. The common app will cut off your essay if you go over the word limit.
Definitions of frequently used terms on the Common App website:
Writing Supplement: Each of the colleges that use the Common Application has the option of
including a supplemental writing prompt. This is where the individual college may ask additional
essay questions to gain more insight about the applicant.
College Report: The college report is a form that collects information about your current college and
your performance at that school. Information requested includes your academic performance and
your disciplinary record.
Secondary School Report: The secondary school report is a form that collects information about
your high school and your performance at that school. Information requested includes your
academic performance and your disciplinary record. Typically the registrar or high school counselor
will complete the secondary school report.
Mid-Term Report: The mid-term report is a form that will help schools get a general indication of
how you are performing in your current courses. To complete the mid-term report, print the form
from the common app website and bring it to each of your instructors. They will need to list your
current grade and sign the document. After you have gathered all the required grades and
signatures, you will need to mail a copy of the form to each college to which you are applying. Be
sure to retain the original copy for your records.
Academic Evaluator: The academic evaluator is the person you would like to write a letter of
recommendation for you. Likely this will be an instructor who knows you well and can speak to your
academic abilities. Please see specific college instructions to learn if your school requires a letter of
recommendation, how many they require, and if there are any specifications on who should write
the letter(s).
Advisor: The advisor is someone at the College whom you have used as an academic advisor. The
advisor you name will not be prompted to write a letter of recommendation; however, please ask
before you put an advisor’s email into this section.
