Harnessing the Power of AXS Companion: Take on the Common App with Ease

Shelly Humbach • October 23, 2023

"The AXS Companion provides step-by-step guidance, tips, and expert advice to help you tackle every section of the Common App with confidence."

the common app

Welcome to your ultimate guide to navigating the Common App with the power of the AXS Companion. Whether you're a high school student beginning your college application journey or a parent supporting your child through the process, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make the most of this powerful resource.



The Common App is a widely-used platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. However, navigating the intricacies of the application process can be overwhelming. That's where the AXS Companion comes in.


With its user-friendly interface, the AXS Companion provides step-by-step guidance, tips, and expert advice to help you tackle every section of the Common App with confidence. From personal information to academic details, extracurricular activities to essay prompts, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you showcase your unique strengths and experiences effectively.


I was so impressed with the AXS Companion, I had to share with my followers as a recommended resource and tool. Let’s help get the word out about AXS and share the news far and wide to help as many students as possible with this new resource. Get ready to unlock your potential and maximize your chances of getting into your dream college. Let's dive in!


What is the Common App?



The Common App, short for the Common Application, is an online platform used by over 1000 colleges and universities worldwide; you can search the full list of Colleges on the Common App here https://www.commonapp.org/explore/ . It simplifies the college application process by allowing students to fill out a single application and submit it to multiple institutions. This streamlines the application process, saving students time and effort.



The Common App covers various sections, including personal information, academic details, extracurricular activities, and essay prompts. It provides a standardized format that allows colleges to review applications efficiently. This means that you can apply to multiple schools without having to fill out separate applications for each one.


Benefits of using the AXS Companion for the Common App

The AXS Companion is a powerful tool that enhances the Common App experience. It offers a range of benefits that can help students and parents navigate the application process with ease. Here are some key advantages of using the AXS Companion:


1. User-Friendly Interface:


The AXS Companion features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate through the various sections of the Common App. You'll find clear instructions and prompts to guide you at every step, ensuring you don't miss any crucial information.


2. Step-by-Step Guidance:


The AXS Companion provides comprehensive step-by-step guidance on completing each section of the Common App. It breaks down the application process into manageable tasks, allowing you to tackle one section at a time. This approach reduces stress and ensures that you don't overlook any important details.


3. Expert Advice and Tips:


The AXS Companion offers expert advice and tips to help you showcase your unique strengths and experiences effectively. It provides insights on how to craft a compelling personal statement, highlight your extracurricular activities, and present your academic achievements in the best possible light. With the AXS Companion, you'll have access to insider knowledge that can give your application an edge.


4. Time-Saving Features:


The AXS Companion includes time-saving features that can streamline the application process. It allows you to save your progress, so you can work on your application at your own pace. You can also preview your application before submitting it, ensuring that everything is in order.

Navigating the AXS Companion

The AXS Companion is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Here's a brief overview of how to make the most of this powerful tool:


1. Create an Account:


To access the AXS Companion, you'll need to create an account. Simply visit the AXS website and follow the prompts to sign up. Make sure to provide accurate information, as this will be used to personalize your experience.


2. Explore the Features:


Once you're logged in, take some time to explore the various features of the AXS Companion. Familiarize yourself with the layout and navigation options. You'll find a menu that allows you to access different sections of the Common App.


3. Follow the Guidance:


As you begin working on your application, the AXS Companion will provide guidance and prompts to help you complete each section. Read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step. The AXS Companion will ensure that you don't miss any important details.


4. Save and Review:


As you progress through the application, remember to save your work regularly. This will prevent any loss of data in case of technical issues. Once you've completed a section, take some time to review your responses before moving on. The AXS Companion allows you to preview your application, so you can see how it will look to colleges.


By following these steps, you'll be able to navigate the AXS Companion effectively and make the most of its features.

The AXS Companion edge on the Common App

The AXS Companion is your ultimate guide to navigating the Common App with confidence. Its user-friendly interface, step-by-step guidance, and expert advice make it an invaluable resource for students and parents alike. By leveraging the power of the AXS Companion, you can showcase your unique strengths and experiences effectively, increasing your chances of getting into your dream college.


As you embark on your college application journey, remember to stay organized, meet deadlines, and put your best foot forward. Utilize the guidance and resources provided by the AXS Companion and other available tools to ensure a strong and comprehensive application.


Good luck on your college application journey! With the AXS Companion by your side, you're well-equipped to unlock your potential and maximize your chances of getting into your dream college.

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By Shelly Humbach • September 11, 2025
In June, I hosted my annual Senior Essay Writing Workshop. This was the first in-person workshop since 2019. I bet you can guess why. I was elated to meet my students face-to-face after months, even years, of connecting through the screen. Imagine my surprise at their height, super-smiles, and warm laughter. Dang, it was wonderful. So, essentially, all my in-state seniors gather at my house for a three-hour intensive workshop on crafting a killer college essay. As I was preparing for the event, it occurred to me that I might be in competition with their PHONE. Classic directness (this is probably a character flaw) led me to inform my students and their parents, in advance, that this would be a no-phone gathering. My messaging went something like this, Important: Phones are placed in a basket at the door and retrieved at noon. No exceptions. Parents: If you need to reach your student during the workshop, text me directly at **********. Now, I am fully on board with the phone-free movement. I support it, advocate for it, and live it (I brilliantly quit all personal media last November). And I thought: my event, my rules. I was a little concerned about how this announcement would land. Turns out my concern was mainly about the parents. The kids? Not so much. In fact, research indicates that students crave phone-free learning environments. Suffice to say, the workshop was a smashing success. Not a single student pushed back against the policy. One poor soul forgot to retrieve her phone and left it sitting all alone in the basket. Not to worry, though. She didn’t get far before turning back to grab it. Here’s the truth: We don’t have to bow down to every technological whim or societal pressure. As adults, we know the phone is a problem, and it’s our job to foster healthy, happy individuals. So let's keep this momentum going. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When you know better, do better.”

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By Shelly Humbach • December 7, 2022
Incredibly, another year has come and gone; another year of navigating life in the midst of Covid and now flu and RSV. Such fun. Thankfully, many high school seniors are still college bound. Here are three priority action items every parent or guardian should take long before their student launches. FAFSA and Net Price Calculators Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) . Even if you know or suspect your family will not qualify for federal aid, you should file the FAFSA. Why? ~In case circumstances change. Hello, pandemic. ~Just because parents weren’t eligible to receive financial aid one year doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be eligible in a subsequent year, if their financial situation has changed. ~If you think you may require financial aid at any point in your child’s education. ~Anyone who expects to have more than one child in college simultaneously. Filing the FAFSA opens the door for all kinds of aid. Federal grants do not need to be repaid, federal student loans have low interest rates and work-study programs can be a convenient way to simultaneously fund an education and build a résumé. Complete the Net Price Calculator for each school on your student’s list. This calculator is found on every college website (search it). By providing personalized estimates, net price calculators offer a more informed way of deciding which colleges you can afford. Knowing your net price gives you the best idea of what you’ll pay for a particular college; makes comparing colleges easier; and widens your choice of colleges so you can focus on fit instead of price. Mental Health Care in College Make plans to have proper, sufficient and accessible mental health care support in place for your student before they leave for college. Let’s face it, the launch is just around the corner. Take advantage of the luxury of time and plan to have support firmly in place. Do not assume that colleges have the mental health care support your child may need. They are literally buckling under the weight of demand and negligible funding. Many times, care and support must be secured off-campus. Support Your Student Applying to college in 2022 is beastly and requires serious stamina and perseverance. College admissions deadlines are voluminous and fluid. The pandemic has wreaked all kinds of havoc on the process, requiring more diligence and follow through than ever before.
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