Applying to college can be stressful, but printing your Common App shouldn't be. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to ensure you get a clean, accurate print of your application. We'll cover troubleshooting common issues to help you avoid those last-minute printing panics.
Understanding the Common App and Printing Needs
The Common Application, or Common App, is a centralized online application system used by many colleges and universities. While the application itself is submitted online, you might need a printed copy for various reasons:
- Reviewing your application: Printing allows you to thoroughly review your completed application before submission, catching any errors you might miss on screen.
- Keeping a record: A printed copy serves as a valuable record of your application for your own files.
- Specific college requirements: Some colleges may request a printed copy as part of their application process (though this is less common).
How to Print Your Common App: A Simple Method
The Common App doesn't offer a direct "print" button for the entire application. Instead, you need to print individual sections. Here’s how:
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Log in to your Common App account. Go to the Common App website and log in using your username and password.
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Navigate to the "My Colleges" section. This section lists all the colleges you've applied to through the Common App.
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Select the college application you want to print. Click on the specific college application you'd like to print.
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Access individual sections. You'll need to access each section of the application individually (e.g., personal essay, activities, education).
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Use your browser's print function. Once you're viewing a section, use your browser's print function (usually Ctrl+P or Cmd+P).
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Choose your printer and settings. Select your printer and adjust the print settings (e.g., paper size, orientation, color/black and white) as needed. Important: Ensure that the print preview accurately displays the content before printing.
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Print and review. Print the section and carefully review it for any errors or omissions. Repeat steps 4-7 for all sections of your application.
Tips for a Clean Print:
- Use high-quality paper: Avoid using flimsy paper that might jam the printer or produce a blurry print.
- Check your printer ink levels: Low ink can lead to faint or faded text, making your application hard to read.
- Print a test page: Before printing your entire application, print a test page to ensure the print quality is acceptable.
Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems
- Printing errors: If you encounter printing errors, check your printer connection, ink levels, and paper tray. Restart your computer and printer if necessary.
- Incomplete printouts: Ensure you have selected the correct print settings and that the section you are printing is fully loaded in your browser before initiating the print command.
- Text formatting issues: Unusual text formatting issues might be related to your browser or printer settings. Try printing from a different browser or adjusting your printer driver settings.
- Blank pages: Ensure you've selected the correct page range or printing options. Blank pages are often a sign of a printer driver issue.
Beyond Printing: Digital Copies and Submission
While printing offers a tangible record, remember the Common App is primarily an online system. The online version is the official submission. Keep your digital copy safe and accessible.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can confidently print your Common App and keep a physical copy for your records. Remember to always prioritize submitting the online application correctly. Good luck with your college applications!
