Common App Is Open! Here's What Every Senior Should Do Right Now
Common App Is Open! Here's What Every Senior Should Do Right Now
Published by The Scholarship Bag
Your next step starts today.
For many high school seniors, August 1 marks the official beginning of college application season. The Common Application (Common App) opens, and thousands of students across the country begin working on their college applications.
If you're feeling excited, nervous, or even overwhelmed, take a deep breath.
You do not have to complete everything today.
The goal is not to finish your college applications overnight.
The goal is to start well.
Whether you're one of my students at LCS or you're a parent or student who found this blog while searching online, here are the first steps I recommend taking before school begins.
If You're One of My Students at LCS...
First, welcome!
I'm excited to work with you during enrichment this year. Throughout the school year, we'll take this process one step at a time. We'll work on college applications, scholarships, essays, recommendation letters, financial aid, and staying organized.
You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
For now, I want you to complete a few simple tasks before school starts.
Step 1: Create a Dedicated College & Scholarship Email
One of the smartest things you can do is create a professional Gmail account that you will use only for:
College applications
Scholarship applications
Financial aid
College visits
Housing
Orientation
Admissions communication
I also recommend that your parent or guardian knows how to access this account if needed.
Why?
Because applying to college affects the whole family.
Parents often help with financial aid, scholarship paperwork, housing deposits, and important deadlines.
A shared email doesn't mean your parent completes your applications.
It means everyone stays informed.
Choose a Professional Email
Good examples:
Avoid nicknames, gaming usernames, or anything that doesn't look professional.
Step 2: Start Brainstorming Your Essay
Don't worry about writing your essay yet.
Instead...
Start collecting your stories.
Many students believe they have "nothing to write about."
That's almost never true.
The challenge isn't that students don't have stories.
The challenge is that they haven't taken time to think about them.
Grab a notebook or open a Google Doc and begin answering questions like these.
Ask Yourself...
What challenge has changed me?
What accomplishment am I most proud of?
When have I failed and learned something important?
What experience helped me grow?
Who has influenced my life the most?
What do I care deeply about?
When have I helped someone else?
What responsibility has taught me the most?
What makes me different?
What do I hope colleges remember about me after reading my application?
Don't worry about writing perfectly.
Just write your thoughts.
We'll build on them together.
Step 3: Begin Looking for Scholarships
Don't wait until spring.
Scholarship season starts much earlier than many families realize.
Begin looking at:
Local scholarships
Church scholarships
Employer scholarships
Community organizations
Scholarships offered directly by colleges
Be thoughtful about where you spend your time. While some no-essay scholarships are legitimate, many receive an enormous number of entries because they're quick to enter. Focus first on opportunities where you can tell your story and where your experiences, achievements, or community involvement may help you stand out.
We'll talk much more about creating a scholarship strategy during enrichment.
Step 4: Think About Recommendation Letters
Don't ask for letters just yet if your school has a recommendation request process.
Instead...
Start making a list.
Think about teachers, mentors, employers, coaches, pastors, or other adults who know you well.
Ask yourself:
Who has seen me grow?
Who knows my character?
Who has seen me overcome challenges?
Who can talk about my work ethic?
Who can speak about my leadership?
Who knows me beyond my grades?
We'll discuss the best way to request recommendation letters professionally.
For Students and Families Outside of LCS
If you found this blog while searching online, welcome!
Everything above applies to you too.
Here are a few additional suggestions.
Start a College Planning Notebook
Whether it's a binder, notebook, or Google Drive folder, keep everything in one place.
Include:
College list
Essay ideas
Scholarship opportunities
Deadlines
Activities
Awards
Volunteer work
Work experience
Questions for colleges
Being organized now will save you countless hours later.Parents: Start the Conversation Early
One of the most helpful things you can do is begin talking about college expectations now.
Discuss:
What colleges fit your student's goals?
What can your family realistically afford?
How involved does your student want you to be?
What deadlines should everyone be aware of?
The college process works best when students take ownership while parents stay informed and supportive.
This Week's Action Plan
Before school starts, I encourage every senior to:
✅ Create a professional college and scholarship email.
✅ Make sure a parent or guardian can access it if needed.
✅ Brainstorm at least 10 possible essay stories.
✅ Start researching local scholarships.
✅ Make a list of adults who may be able to write recommendation letters.
Remember...
You don't have to have your entire future figured out today.
You just need to take the next step.
One application.
One scholarship.
One essay.
One opportunity.
Those small steps add up to big results.
Coming Next on The Scholarship Bag
How to Build a College List That Fits Your Goals, Budget, and Future
📥 Free Download: Senior Success Starter Kit
Are you getting ready for senior year but aren't sure where to start?
I've created a FREE Senior Success Starter Kit to help students and families take the first steps with confidence.
Inside you'll receive:
✅ College & Scholarship Email Setup Guide
✅ College Essay Brainstorm Worksheet
✅ Scholarship Search Planner
✅ Recommendation Letter Brainstorm
✅ Senior Year Action Checklist
Whether you're the first in your family to attend college or you've been through this process before, this workbook will help you stay organized before the school year begins.
🎁 Get Your Free Copy
Simply enter your name and email address below, and I'll send it directly to your inbox.
Stay Connected with The Scholarship Bag
Not a student at LCS?
You're still welcome here!
The Scholarship Bag was created to help students and families everywhere navigate the college admissions, scholarship, and financial aid process with confidence.
When you join my free email community, you'll receive:
Monthly college planning tips
Scholarship opportunities and reminders
College application advice
Financial aid updates
New blog posts
Free worksheets and planning tools
Resources for both students and parents
My goal is simple:
To help students become more prepared, more organized, and more confident as they plan for life after high school.
I would love to have you join our community.
👉 Sign up
💙 A Personal Note from Tara
When I helped my oldest son prepare for college, I quickly realized how overwhelming the process could be. As I later helped my second son and worked with students in my enrichment class at LCS, I saw that many families had the same questions and concerns.
That's why I created The Scholarship Bag.
My hope is that every student and every family who visits this website leaves feeling more informed, more organized, and more confident than when they arrived.
No matter where you attend school, I'm cheering for you.
Your future is worth preparing for.
See you in the next blog!
— Tara Omotosho
Founder, The Scholarship Bag 🌟
