Introduction: In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel discusses the opening of the Common Application and the beginning of the college application season. He provides essential advice for students and parents on navigating the Common App, including the importance of attention to detail, strategic planning, and understanding the various components of the application process. Summary of Key Points: 1. The Common Application Opening: The Common App opens on August 1, signaling the start of the application season for students worldwide. Parents can also create an account to view their child's progress without interfering. 2. Data Entry Importance: Accurate data entry in the Common App is crucial, with attention to detail in spelling and punctuation being highly important. Admissions officers evaluate these aspects as part of the application. 3. Strategic Planning for Applications: Students should select their schools early, understand supplemental requirements, and ensure their activity lists are well-curated and relevant. Each application component should align with the student's overall strategy. 4. Crafting Effective Essays: The Common App essay should be integrated into the broader application narrative and tailored for different types of schools if necessary. The additional information section should be used for significant disruptions, not for extra essays or resumes. 5. Managing the Application Timeline: It's important not to rush the application process, as quality is more important than speed. Early submissions do not receive extra consideration, so students should focus on creating the best possible application within the given timeline. Conclusion: The Common Application season is a critical time for students aiming for higher education. By planning strategically, paying attention to details, and understanding each component of the application, students can present themselves effectively to their chosen colleges. Thomas Caleel encourages listeners to stay calm, take their time, and reach out on social media for any questions during this process. About Thomas Caleel Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high-level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants. Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Please subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber-only content.