what is date of entry on common app

Natashya

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25-12-2024

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The Common Application, or Common App, is a ubiquitous tool for high school seniors applying to colleges and universities across the United States. One field that sometimes causes confusion is the "Date of Entry." This article will clarify what the Date of Entry means, why it's important, and how to accurately fill it out.

Understanding the Date of Entry

The "Date of Entry" on the Common App refers to the intended start date of your studies at the college or university. It's not the date you submit your application, nor is it your high school graduation date. Instead, it's the date you plan to begin your undergraduate program, typically in the fall (August or September).

For most applicants, this will be a simple matter of selecting the appropriate month and year. However, there are some situations where it might require more consideration:

Situations Requiring Extra Attention:

• Gap Year: If you're taking a gap year, select the date you plan to begin your studies after your gap year. Don't select the date of your application or the current year.
• Transfer Students: Transfer students should enter the term they plan to begin studying at the new institution. This may be different from the start date of their previous program.
• Early Enrollment/Dual Enrollment: If you're participating in early college programs or dual enrollment, the Date of Entry is the start date of your intended full-time undergraduate program, not the early enrollment program.

Why is the Date of Entry Important?

The Date of Entry is crucial for several reasons:

• College Planning: Colleges use this information for enrollment projections and resource allocation. Knowing your start date allows them to plan for your arrival and ensure adequate housing, classes, and support services.
• Financial Aid: The date can impact your financial aid eligibility and disbursement schedule. It influences the academic year for which your aid is intended.
• Housing and Orientation: Colleges arrange housing assignments and orientation schedules based on the stated entry date. An incorrect date could lead to complications with accommodations or scheduling conflicts.

How to Accurately Fill Out the Date of Entry

To ensure accuracy, take the following steps:

1. Check your college's academic calendar: Most college websites provide academic calendars outlining the start and end dates for each academic term. Refer to this calendar to confirm the start date of the term you intend to enroll in.
2. Double-check your application: After entering the date, carefully review your entire Common App to ensure accuracy before submitting.
3. Contact the admissions office (if necessary): If you're unsure about the correct date, don't hesitate to contact the admissions office of the college in question. They're more than happy to clarify any uncertainties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering the application submission date: This is a frequent error. Remember, the Date of Entry refers to your intended start date at the college, not when you submit your application.
• Entering your high school graduation date: This date isn't relevant to your college enrollment. The Date of Entry refers only to your college studies' start.
• Ignoring the field completely: Leaving this field blank can cause delays or complications in your application processing.

By correctly understanding and filling out the Date of Entry field, you can ensure a smoother transition into your college experience. Remember to carefully consider your situation and verify the information before submitting your application. Accurate completion of this field is a small detail that can prevent significant problems down the line.