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:

Ann Cinelli, M.Ed

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Ann is a native New Yorker who attended college in Massachusetts but now resides in Texas. Through her college experience in the Northeast, she provides a rich perspective on a region of the country that is quite popular for the college bound. Ann is not only passionate about college readiness and preparing her scholars for lifelong learning, she is also equipped with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and focuses on the social, emotional & physical wellbeing of her scholars. Mrs. Cinelli is highly experienced in providing guidance for STEM majors, specifically computer science, BS/MD, business and application strategies for highly selective schools, many of which she has toured through college visits and counselor fly-ins.

Julie Gooden, M.Ed.

College Consultant Associate

Access College America

Julie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as College Consultant Associate with Access College America. With an impressive 29-year career in public education, Julie's journey has evolved from the elementary school classroom to various impactful roles, including Lead Counselor, AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and AVID Counselor and Administrator. She also spent many years working in the admissions office of Austin Community College and an Academic Counselor.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development, as well as a Master’s in Education with a focus on Psychology/School Counseling, both earned from The University of Texas at Austin, where she proudly holds a Life Membership with the Texas-Exes. Her certifications span Elementary School Teaching, School Counseling, and Principal/Administration. In her role as a College Consultant Associate, Julie possesses a unique gift for working with individual scholars, helping them discover their passion and forge a path toward a productive and independent future within the community.