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Common App / undergrad basics

Field-by-field help for India→US bachelor’s applicants using Common App or similar undergrad portals.

You are here · When the undergrad portal is open and confusing

Portals change. Confirm every field and file rule on the official university or government site before you submit.

Common App (official)What-if library

Field cards

Label → what to enter → common mistake → whom to ask.

  • Citizenship / nationality

    Enter
    Your passport country (e.g. India). Do not pick U.S. unless you are a U.S. citizen.
    Common mistake
    Selecting “U.S.” because the university is in America.
    If unsure, ask
    Passport nationality line.

  • Education history / board

    Enter
    List Class 10 and 12 (or equivalent) with correct board names and years. Add college years if applying as transfer.
    Common mistake
    Inventing GPA scales or leaving board name blank.
    If unsure, ask
    School counsellor / marksheet header for official board name.

  • Activities / extracurriculars

    Enter
    Real roles with hours and outcomes. Quality over padded lists. Translate Indian club names briefly.
    Common mistake
    Copy-pasting consultancy activity lists you never did.
    If unsure, ask
    Your own certificates and project logs—not a WhatsApp template.

  • Fee waiver checkbox

    Enter
    Only if you meet the portal’s published waiver criteria. Schools verify—false claims hurt you.
    Common mistake
    Checking waiver “to save money” without qualifying.
    If unsure, ask
    Common App / college fee-waiver rules page.

  • Recommenders / counsellor

    Enter
    Invite teachers who know your work. Give them deadlines and a brag sheet. Track invites in the portal.
    Common mistake
    Waiting until 48 hours before deadline to send invites.
    If unsure, ask
    Teachers 4–6 weeks early; counsellor for school report if required.

Upload specs

  • Personal essay / supplements

    Format
    Paste in portal or PDF if allowed
    Max size
    Word limits beat file size—count words
    Naming
    N/A if pasted

    Each college’s supplemental prompts are separate. Do not reuse one essay for all.

  • SAT / English scores

    Format
    Official score send + optional PDF
    Max size
    Portal limit
    Naming
    Lastname_TOEFL.pdf

    Self-reported vs official: follow each college. Screenshots rarely count as final.

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