How to Preview Your Common App Application Before Submission

After weeks (or months) of working on your college admissions application, you're finally ready to submit.

Or are you?

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is submitting their college applications without thoroughly reviewing them one last time in PDF format first.

Sure, you may have checked everything within the Common App portal, but reviewing your application as a PDF (either printing it out or viewing it on screen) provides a clearer view of how admissions officers will see it. Plus, seeing it in this different format helps you catch any last-minute errors or formatting issues.

Not sure how to get that PDF view? No worries. That's what I'm here for!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to generating, downloading, and reviewing your application PDF to ensure your Common App application is ready to submit.

1. Log in to the Common App, and Select the School Application to Preview.
   Log into your Common App dashboard, and locate your list of schools. Click on the specific school to which you’re preparing to submit your application.
2. Confirm Your Application Is Complete
   Before you can generate a PDF, double-check that the application is fully complete. Look for green checkmarks next to each section, indicating all sections are finished.
   
   
3. Generate the PDF
   Click on Review and Submit to generate a PDF version of your application. Note: this step is only for generating the document, not submitting it to the school.
   
   
4. Download Your PDF
   Click the Download icon in the top right corner to save your document as a PDF file. (Or click the Printer icon to print your application.) This step allows you to review your application before you pay the application fee and submit it.
   
5. Remember Final Submission Steps
   Keep in mind that generating and downloading the PDF does not complete your application submission. You’ll still need to take additional steps, including submitting payment, to officially submit the application to the school.

Once you’ve saved or printed your PDF, take time to read through it carefully, ideally with fresh eyes or even with feedback from your parent or counselor. After you've confirmed everything is as it should be, then you can go ahead and officially submit.

Remember, this final review can make a huge difference in ensuring your application is as strong and error-free as possible.

By following these quick and easy steps, you can make sure your Common App application is accurate, polished, and truly reflective of your four years of hard work.