Creating a Common App Account: Getting Started with Your College Applications

Presented by Chris Miller, Director of College Counseling at Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring, Maryland 

The college application process can feel overwhelming, but getting started with the right tools and resources can make the journey easier. Join us for a virtual session focused on creating and navigating your Common Application account, one of the most widely used platforms for applying to colleges.

During this webinar, students will learn how to set up their account, understand the different sections of the application, and begin organizing the information they will need throughout the college application process. Participants will gain helpful tips for staying organized, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing for a successful application experience.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will:

• Learn how to create and set up a Common Application account
• Understand the different sections of the application and what information is required
• Explore strategies for staying organized throughout the application process
• Learn how to begin building their college application profile
• Gain tips for managing deadlines, materials, and next steps

About the Presenter

Chris Miller serves as the Director of College Counseling at Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring, Maryland and brings 25 years of college admission and counseling experience to his work. He supports students and parents in all aspects of the college search and application process and has helped students enroll at colleges and universities across the globe. Chris has given presentations to many different audiences at the local, regional, and national levels on a multitude of topics related to college admission and student support and has served in leadership for college admission associations, as well as on admission advisory boards for colleges and universities. In addition, Chris was among several counselors recognized in 2023 with the  "Counselors That Change Lives" award, an honor presented by Colleges That Change Lives to counselors who actively support and demonstrate the mission and ideals of CTCL.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and African-American Studies from Oberlin College and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Recommended Audience: This webinar is recommended for high school juniors and seniors preparing to apply to college, as well as parents, guardians, and school counselors supporting students through the college application process.