All Sections of Common Application for Indian Students Guide

Introduction: What is the Common App?

The Common Application, or Common App for Indians, is like a master key for Indian students aiming to unlock doors to undergraduate programs in the U.S. It’s a centralized platform where you can apply to multiple universities through a single application. Sounds like a dream, right?

Here’s the deal: Instead of filling out separate forms for each college, the Common App saves you from repetitive headaches. It’s all in one place, from personal details to essays, making life a lot easier for students juggling board exams, entrance tests, and everything else.

PS if you don’t know anything about how to study abroad after class 12th… then I have videos on my YT channel and also you can see this How to Fill Common App for Indians.

When should I start filling up Common App?

Ideally, begin exploring the Common App around August of the year before you plan to enroll (e.g., August 2024 for Fall 2025 admissions). The earlier you understand it, the smoother your ride will be. And every year generally around August 1st, the information renews so it’s always better to start doing everything after August 1. Start making the college list earlier.

If you are in Class 12 right now, your deadline is November 1 for early action & January 1 for regular applications. Early is much better & trust me, as an international student, you MUST GIVE YOUR BEST SHOT.

FREE GIFT for International Students!

PS If you are an Indian or international student really dependent on NEED-BASED AID, you can use this list we prepared. This contains 50+ US colleges & universities who want to provide you with 100% demonstrated financial need. I made it myself bro… if there’s any fault comment it. And duplicate that on your end!

What about Coalition Application?

Forget it. While the Coalition Application is another platform, it’s rarely as popular or widely accepted as the Common App. Stick to what works.

The Common App has six main sections:

Profile: Who you are, where you live, and what languages you speak.
Family: Details about your parents and siblings.
Education: Your high school, grades, and coursework.
Testing: Your SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores.
Activities: Showcase your extracurriculars, from cricket to coding.
Writing: The dreaded yet crucial personal essay.

Goal: Simplify the process, avoid errors (like misspelled names or wrong details), and get your application noticed for all the right reasons. Now we will go over each one of them bit by bit.

Btw… I have a detailed videos on the MAJOR MISTAKES on Common App… So definitely watch this after you have read the blog, to SAVE YOUR application. (just in case! Hehe! Sorry for scaring)

Profile Section of the Common App

This section is about you. Sounds simple, but trust me, you don’t want to rush it. Your profile lays the foundation for the rest of your application, and a small mistake here can snowball into bigger issues later.

Personal Information

Name Matters: Indian naming conventions can be tricky. If you have a middle name or initials, keep it consistent with your passport and school records. For instance, if your name is “R. Kavya” on your passport, don’t write “Kavya Ramesh” here.

Universities cross-check these details. If you have full name on passport, then USE THIS. Especially for Andhra & Telangana & Tamil folks, please use your name as in your passport.
Gender Identity: Select the option that best reflects you.
If unsure about specifics, keep it straightforward.

Address and Contact Information

Indian Addresses: The U.S. system might feel weird at first. Use a clear, concise format like:

Flat No. 12, Block A, XYZ Apartments, Sector 55, Gurgaon, Haryana, India, 122011.
Active Email: This is your lifeline.
Use an email you check daily, and double-check for typos.
All official emails might come via this… So check for typos.

Citizenship Details

Non-U.S. Citizen: For most Indian students, this is the box to tick.
Under “Country of Citizenship,” select India.

Language Section: List all the languages you speak fluently, even if it’s “Indian English.”

Common App Fee Waiver for Indian Students

Here’s a hack for you: Most Indian students qualify for the fee waiver. If finances are tight (and you’re applying to multiple colleges), say “Yes” to the fee waiver question.

It’ll save you thousands of rupees in application fees. Don’t hesitate—it’s designed to help you! I saved 285 USD in my application fees… I paid 0 for applying and only paid for the CSS Profile which was around 11k INR.

Click on the image to enlarge this section

Family Section in Common Application

Your family background might seem like just another formality, but colleges use this section to understand your context better. Whether your parents are professors or farmers, this is where you tell their story.

Parent Information

Educational Background: When listing your parents’ qualifications, keep it simple and accurate. For example:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology)
- Diploma in Engineering
No College? No Problem: If your parents didn’t attend college, select the relevant option (“High School Diploma” or equivalent). Many U.S. universities appreciate first-generation college students, so don’t feel like you’re at a disadvantage!

Sibling Information

Details to Include: You’ll be asked to list siblings, especially if they’re in school or university. Just basic details—don’t overthink it.
What Not to Add: You don’t need to include your parents’ school names unless specifically asked (which is rare).

Pro Tip: First-generation students, this is your time to shine! Yes in that case, you can write the parent’s school names, if needed. If your parents didn’t go to college, it adds a unique perspective to your application. Own it.

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Completing the Education Section of Common App for Indians

This section is where Indian students need to be extra careful. Colleges look at your school records to understand your academic journey, so it’s crucial to represent your information clearly and accurately.

School Information

High School Details:
Enter your school’s full name exactly as it appears in official documents. For example, instead of “DAV Gurgaon,” write “DAV Public School, Sector 14, Gurgaon.” Include the contact details of your principal or counselor (email/phone). (just taking example here)

Like in this image on the side… I mean no offence… but what can I do some of you think dirty. LOL!

Graduation Date: If you’re in CBSE’s 2024-25 session, your graduation date should be April 2025. For other boards, double-check your school’s official academic calendar.

Board Information: Select “Other” for the Examination Board and specify “CBSE,” “ISC,” or the respective State Board in the provided text field.

Courses and Grades

Converting Grades to GPA: Don’t stress about converting your grades into the U.S. GPA system unless your school has a clear, documented policy for it.

Example: In Tamil Nadu state board, an 85% might translate to a 4.0 GPA, but in CBSE, 85% is roughly a 3.7. It’s inconsistent, so it’s better to leave it blank unless you’re 100% sure.

Grading System Explanation: Use the Additional Information section to explain your school’s grading system briefly.

For instance: “CBSE grades on a 100-point scale with a minimum passing mark of 33%. 90% and above is considered exceptional.”

Class Rank: If your school doesn’t officially rank students, leave it blank. This information will be verified through your counselor’s evaluation. Don’t invent rankings—it can backfire. And yes, I have done that as well.

For the graduating class thing, you can put an estimate of how many students were there in your class. You can ask your school counsellor or someone who knows.

HONORS Section

What to Include:

Showcase any academic achievements or awards. Examples:

Olympiads (IAAC, NSE)
Subject-specific awards (e.g., Best Science Student of the Year).
Prestigious competitions like Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) – I have a shitty YT video on this VVM… btw even Sahil Akhtar had VVM in his EC .

Descriptions Matter: Use tools like our Common App Extracurricular Writer to craft detailed yet concise descriptions of your honors.

Example: “Ranked among top 100 students nationwide in the NSE Physics Olympiad, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills in physics and mathematics.”

A strong description of your honors can elevate your application significantly.
Don’t undersell yourself!

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Testing Section –
Adding Your Standardized Tests

The Testing Section allows you to showcase your preparedness for international academic standards. Here’s how Indian students can navigate it:

SAT/ACT Scores

Reporting Scores:
- If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, enter your scores directly.
- Haven’t taken it yet? Select “I plan to take this test” and indicate your test date.

Do You Need the SAT/ACT? Some colleges are now test-optional, so confirm whether your chosen universities require these scores before stressing about them.

English Proficiency Tests

TOEFL/IELTS:
- If English isn’t your first language, many colleges require proof of English proficiency.
  Enter your TOEFL or IELTS scores here.

Example: “TOEFL iBT – 110, with 28 in Reading, 27 in Listening, 26 in Speaking, and 29 in Writing.” If you are lacking DET… see this video. I got 155 out of 160 in DET and I reveal all my secrets here!

Or see.. This video on why DET is probably the best for Indians than IELTS or TOEFL…

Who Needs It? If your medium of instruction has been English (e.g., CBSE or ICSE), some universities may waive this requirement. Check college-specific policies before spending money on these tests.

Btw, if you get above 90% in CBSE boards… you don’t need TOEFL/IELTS in some universities in UK… But if you are going undergrad, go to US… because that will give you the most financial need aid which you NEED.

UK won’t pay for the living expenses… That’s the thing.
Some of my friends are paying almost 13-18 Lakhs per year only for living and they have their tuition fees partially waived…

CBSE Results in Common App

How to Input Results (VERY IMPORTANT):

For “Examination Board,” select Other and type “CBSE.”
Enter the subject name (e.g., Mathematics, Physics) along with your original or predicted scores.

If you’re still in school, input predicted scores based on your recent performance. And yes, get a predicated marksheet signed & stamped and input that marks there in the Common App section.

Subject Count: Match the number of subjects listed in your transcript. Don’t leave any out.

Additional Notes: Use the Additional Information section to explain anything unusual. For instance: “CBSE grading involves marks out of 100 for individual subjects, with final results calculated as a percentage.”

Whether it’s CBSE, ISC, or a state board, keep it honest. And yes… don’t overestimate or fake your scores… They will ask for proofs later once you are accepted.

Universities appreciate transparency and context about your academic system.

Common App Activities Section: Tips for Indian Students

When it comes to the Activities section, quality trumps quantity. Don’t feel pressured to list every hobby you’ve ever tried; instead, focus on what truly represents you and aligns with your goals.

Examples from an Indian Context:

Leadership: Captain of your school’s cricket team or head of the student council.
Sports: Participation in state-level badminton or inter-school athletics competitions.
Arts: Winning local art competitions, participating in drama clubs, or showcasing Indian classical dance.
Volunteering: Organizing blood donation camps, teaching underprivileged kids, or participating in NSS activities.

Prioritize Depth Over Quantity:

Admissions officers care about the impact you’ve made. Instead of listing 10 shallow activities, highlight a few where you’ve made meaningful contributions.

👉 Want more insights?
Check out this video about how an “average” profile can still make it to Harvard.

Writing Descriptions

Here’s the challenge: you only get 150 characters per activity to describe your role and achievements. This is where words—and how you use them—matter.

Use Action Words: Instead of “Helped organize a fundraiser,” write “Raised ₹50,000 for flood relief through a community-led fundraiser.”
Focus on Impact: Mention specific achievements, numbers, or outcomes wherever possible.

Please keep in mind of the character limits:
Title – 50 characters,
Organisation – 100 characters,
Description – 150 characters.

Why You Need our TOOL/AI for This:

Writing descriptions can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to sound polished. That’s where our free Common App Extracurricular Writer Tool comes in! It helps you craft professional, concise descriptions that pack a punch. Don’t miss out—give it a try. It’s free, so why not? 😎

And please don’t fake your extracurriculars… And DO NOT MAKE THESE COMMON MISTAKES of listing JEE PREP as your extracurricular.

Mastering the Common App Writing Section: Essay Tips for Indian Students

Common App Essay Tips for Indians

The personal essay is the soul of your application. For Indian students, it’s an opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Choosing a Common App Essay Topic:

Highlight personal values, challenges, or unique experiences.
Avoid clichés. Don’t just write about being a “hard worker” or scoring 95%. Dig deeper.

Make It Culturally Authentic: Embrace your roots without making it a stereotype. If you’re writing about your passion for Carnatic music, explain why it matters to you and how it shaped your identity.

But please DO NOT emphasise too much on how amazingly diverse your culture is or how poor you are or your parent’s dreams & your family or your hardcore JEE prep…

Pro Tip: Writing isn’t easy, but tools like SUPS AI can make it seamless. Use this link to explore how AI can help you refine your essay. (Yes, I get a tiny boost if you use this link, but trust me—it’s worth it for you!) I paid for this tool and you can use the free version… and literally their essay critiques are straight to the point.

Additional Information Section in Common App

This section is a hidden gem that many students overlook. Use it wisely to address:

Special circumstances like interruptions in schooling or personal challenges.
Unique achievements that don’t fit into other sections.

Course & Grades Upload: Some universities like Stanford and Amherst ask for your grades and transcripts from Class 9 to 12 here. Yes, it feels redundant because your counselor will submit them too, but just follow the instructions.

Final Tip: If you’re unsure about what to include, less is more.
Use this space strategically without repeating information from other sections.

Final Tips for Indian Students on the Common App

Before we dive into FAQs, here’s a quick checklist:

Review every section of your Common App for accuracy and consistency.
Double-check document uploads—especially transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Submit early! Servers can get overloaded near deadlines, so don’t take risks.

Also, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need advice, our ‘Abroad For Better Future’ community is here for you. Join our free WhatsApp group to get real-time tips, essay reviews, and guidance from students just like you! Fill this form, it will take 3 mins max. And we will reach back on WhatsApp in 3 days.

And yes, why am I doing this? I am writing this and I have preboards tomorrow but I really care about your study abroad dreams. Because I’m a dreamer & an empathetic Indian…
So yeah, that’s all. If you think a supportive community of study abroad students would help you… then definitely join us. And yes, we post amazing videos for indians on study abroad on our YT channel!

FAQs for Indian Students on the Common App

What is the Common App, and why should Indian students use it?

The Common App is a centralized platform for applying to multiple universities, mostly in the U.S. For Indian students, it simplifies the process of managing applications, essays, and recommendations all in one place.

How do I apply for a fee waiver on the Common App?

You can request a fee waiver in the Profile section under “Common App Fee Waiver.” Most Indian students qualify for it, so say “Yes” if finances are a concern. It’s a lifesaver for saving on application costs.

Do I need SAT/ACT scores to apply?

Many universities are test-optional now. If you have great scores, report them! If not, focus on other parts of your application, like essays and extracurriculars.

What should I do if my school doesn’t rank students?

If your school doesn’t officially rank students (as is common in India), simply leave the “Class Rank” field blank. This won’t hurt your application, and your counselor will confirm this in their evaluation.

How do I explain my grades on the Common App?

For Indian boards like CBSE, ISC, or State Boards, enter marks exactly as they appear on your transcripts. Don’t try to convert percentages to GPA unless your school provides specific guidelines.

Can I submit different essays for different colleges?

Yes! While the main personal essay is shared with all colleges on your list, many universities have supplemental essay prompts where you can write specific responses.

How do I handle recommendation letters in India?

Approach teachers who know you well and can write about your strengths. Provide them with a short summary of your achievements to help them craft a better letter. If your school doesn’t have a counselor, designate a teacher to fulfill this role.

What should I include in the Additional Information section?

Use this section to explain unique circumstances, such as:

Interruptions in schooling.
Unusual grading systems at your school.
Major achievements not covered elsewhere.

Do I need to include predicted scores in my application?

Yes, especially for CBSE/ISC students whose final results come after application deadlines. Coordinate with your school to provide official predicted scores.

When should I submit my application?

Submit as early as possible—ideally a week or two before deadlines. Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent tech issues or missed deadlines.

What if I have more questions or need help?

Join our ‘Abroad For Better Future’ WhatsApp community! It’s free, and you’ll find a supportive group of students, alumni, and mentors eager to help.