College Planning

​The Common Application, commonly known as the Common App, is a widely-used online platform that simplifies the college application process by allowing students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. It includes sections for personal information, academic history, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, as well as space for letters of recommendation. The Common App is accepted by over 900 institutions, offering a convenient and efficient way to manage applications, track deadlines, and ensure all components are submitted on time. Our counseling team is here to help you navigate the Common App, providing guidance on how to best present yourself and maximize your chances of admission to your desired colleges.

Common App 

ApplyTexas is an online application system specifically designed for students seeking admission to colleges and universities in Texas. This platform allows you to apply to multiple Texas institutions with one application, simplifying the process of submitting personal information, academic records, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. ApplyTexas also offers resources for exploring Texas schools and financial aid options. Our counseling team is here to assist you in navigating ApplyTexas, ensuring you understand each step and helping you present a strong application. Let us support you in making the most of this valuable tool to achieve your higher education goals in Texas.

Apply Texas

Purpose of College Essays

College essays can seem daunting, but remember, they are not the same as the long research papers you wrote for your English class. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and what you bring to your prospective school. Highlight your character and maturity by sharing your views on life, demonstrating your growth throughout high school, and illustrating how you will continue to evolve in college. While it might feel uncomfortable to talk about yourself, admissions officers want to understand why YOU should be accepted.

Choosing a Topic

Read the essay prompt carefully and think about what it’s truly asking. Consider writing about a challenge you’ve overcome and how it has shaped your personal growth, or someone you admire and how they've influenced you. Be detailed and illustrative; this is your chance to share your values and personality. For example, if you want to highlight your leadership skills, describe a specific instance where you took initiative, the actions you took, and what you learned from the experience.

Preparing to Write

Your essay should be personal yet professional. Don’t write what you think the college wants to hear; instead, focus on your authentic self. While you don’t need to share every intimate detail, showing vulnerability can be a strength. Be clear about the purpose you want to convey, the examples you use, and the overall tone of your essay. Write in a style that feels natural to you—it reflects your personality and character.

Writing the Essay

When writing your first draft, focus on the content. Identify the specifics that will make your essay stand out. After completing your draft, set it aside for a while before revisiting it with fresh eyes. Make necessary revisions and then finalize your essay for submission.

Top 10 Tips for College Essays

1. Understand the Prompt: Carefully read the essay prompt and ensure you understand what it’s asking. Address all parts of the question and stay on topic.
2. Be Yourself: Authenticity is key. Write about what genuinely interests you and reflects who you are. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so let your personality and voice shine through.
3. Show, Don't Tell: Use specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points. Instead of saying you’re a leader, describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership and the impact it had.
4. Focus on Growth and Reflection: Highlight your personal growth and how experiences have shaped you. Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve changed.
5. Be Specific: Avoid general statements and clichés. Provide concrete details that make your story unique and memorable.
6. Stay Organized: Plan your essay structure. Have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Ensure your essay flows logically and stays focused on your main theme.
7. Edit and Revise: Don’t submit your first draft. Set your essay aside for a few days, then revisit it with fresh eyes. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.
8. Maintain a Professional Tone: While your essay should be personal, it should also be professional. Avoid slang and overly casual language.
9. Stay Within the Word Limit: Adhere to the word count guidelines. Being concise is an important skill, so make every word count.
10. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance. West Fork teachers and staff are here to help you brainstorm, review drafts, and provide feedback to strengthen your essay.

Tips for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

When it comes to requesting letters of recommendation for your college applications, following proper etiquette is essential. Here are some key tips to ensure you get strong, supportive letters:

1. Choose the Right Recommenders: Select teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths, achievements, and character. Ideally, choose someone from your junior or senior year who has seen your recent work and growth.

2. Provide a Brag Sheet: Give your recommender a “brag sheet” that includes your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and any other relevant accomplishments. This will help them write a detailed and personalized letter.

3. Request Early: Give your recommender plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter. Ask at least two weeks in advance, but ideally, give them a month. This ensures they have enough time to produce a high-quality letter without feeling rushed.

4. Make a Formal Request: Ask in person if possible, or through a polite and respectful email. Clearly explain why you are asking them and why you value their recommendation. Provide all necessary details about the application process and deadlines.

5. Follow Up and Provide Updates: Check in with your recommender a week before the deadline to ensure they have everything they need and to remind them politely of the due date. Update them on your application status and thank them for their support.

6. Express Gratitude: Always thank your recommenders for their time and effort. A handwritten thank-you note is a nice touch and shows your appreciation.

By following these tips, you’ll not only get strong letters of recommendation but also show respect and gratitude to those who support your college journey. If you need any assistance or have questions about this process, our counseling team is here to help!