Common Application Lab (for Class of '25)

***Exclusively for Access College America scholars***

Think of the Common Application as a giant cookie jar with all of the cookies representing colleges & universities in America. Using one application system, prospective college students can apply to up to 20 schools. The Common Application is the gateway to admissions for hundreds of places, including the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M. Understanding the logistics for maneuvering it, where to find your short answer questions, how to submit your application and complete a profile is the key to your breakthrough.

In this lab we show you, step-by-step, how to set up your profile in the Common Application. We will also show you how to research colleges using this application platform, how to save colleges you are interested in applying to and where to find the following sections:

• Activity List!
• Honors & Awards!
• Writing Sections (Main Essay and Short Answer Questions)!

Be Advised:

• This is a hands-on working lab with camera & audio on. Participation is required for all attendees.
• We suggest water & snacks readily available.
• Plan to be in a quite location suitable for brainstorming activities and writing.
• You MUST be at a desk and in front of a computer (no phones allowed).

PRESENTER:

Melissa Wood, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Melissa Wood, M.Ed. is a licensed school counselor with Bachelor's and Master's of Music Degrees from Sam Houston State University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas State University, and a School Counselor Certification from Angelo State University. She has worked her entire career in public education, serving her campus community for 23 years in various roles, and has served as a school counselor for the past 5 years. Melissa has a true calling for assisting scholars in finding their chosen career path while also guiding them through the admission process to highly selective schools in Texas and across the country.

 

Melissa has served in roles ranging from band director to College & Career Transition Coordinator to Academic Guidance Counselor. She has a broad range of experience assisting everyone from those who are undecided in their major to those applying to some of the most selective colleges in the country with the intention of securing a STEM major. As Transition Coordinator & Guidance Counselor, Melissa has successfully assisted scholars through the course selection process for dual credit, Advanced Placement, the International Baccalaureate programs, along with numerous Career & Technical Education programs.