Words a Document

I was taken aback to see this global take-down of the new Common Application on Twitter this morning, by a college counselor. A quote from his article: "The new Common App is a monstrosity."

I don't agree with some of his complaints, and I question the wisdom of dumping on the Common Application without proposing any short-term solutions for students or even advising patience.

In my work with students since the new Common App went live on August 1st, I can't say I've had the same difficulties navigating the site that he's had, but I don't doubt that problems exist. Instead, I'd like to offer a solution or two and another perspective:

1. When writing your Common App essay and supplements, compose them and save them on Word documents. DO NOT compose on the application itself. I have read a number of stories of people losing their essays when there's a glitch -- and having to start over. Don't do that to yourself. As an extra precaution, email these Word Docs to yourself as well.

2. I simply don't agree with his complaint that "10 puny" activity slots are too few. Most students will have 10 or fewer activities. If you have more than 10, list the 10 most important activities. Colleges will get a very good idea of who you are with the top 10.

3. The single 650-word essay is a great opportunity to tell schools more about who you are. I think the new questions are terrific and much better than questions in previous years, which were dry as a bone. In working with some 15 students so far this summer, these questions have led to terrific essays.

4. It's true that some of the supplements are not yet available, but most are. Latecomers, including the University of Michigan, are now up. Why complain about this? Why not just urge students to be patient? Most early-decision/early-action applications are not due for two months.

5. The new application only has one essay question -- the 650-worder. The Common App eliminated the second question asking students to write...