The Common App and AXS Companion: Deadlines, Dates, Resources and FAQs
Shelly Humbach • October 23, 2023
"The Common Application, often referred to as The Common App is an online platform that facilitates the college application process for students."
The Common Application, often referred to as the "Common App," is an online platform that facilitates the college application process for students applying to colleges and universities in the United States and a few other countries. It serves as a centralized application system, allowing students to apply to multiple participating colleges using a single application.
The AXS Companion is an open resource tool built by Oregon State University (no, you don’t need to apply to OSU to use it!) in collaboration with college consulting professionals at
IECA that helps students navigate the Common App most effectively.New Paragraph
AXS Companion FAQs
1. Is the AXS Companion free to use?
Yes, the AXS Companion is available free of charge to all students and parents who are using the Common App.
2. Can I access the AXS Companion on my mobile device?
Yes, the AXS Companion is designed to be mobile-friendly. You can access it from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to work on your application anytime, anywhere.
3. What if I have technical issues while using the AXS Companion?
If you encounter any technical issues while using the AXS Companion, you can reach out to their customer support team for assistance. They will be able to help you resolve any issues and ensure a smooth application process.
4. Can the AXS Companion help with college selection?
The AXS Companion focuses primarily on guiding students through the Common App application process. While it does not directly help with college selection, it provides resources and advice on how to present your best self in your application, which can increase your chances of getting accepted to your desired colleges.
5. Can I use the AXS Companion for applications to non-US colleges?
While the AXS Companion is primarily designed for the Common App, it can still be a valuable resource for students applying to non-US colleges. Many international institutions accept the Common App, and the guidance provided by the AXS Companion can be applied to other application platforms as well.
The Common App Deadlines and Important Dates
To make the most of the Common App and ensure that your application is submitted on time, it's essential to be aware of the relevant deadlines and important dates. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:
1. Application Open Date:
The Common App typically opens for submissions in August or September. Check the Common App website for the exact date each year.
2. Application Deadlines:
Different colleges and universities have different application deadlines. Some schools have Early Decision or Early Action deadlines, while all have Regular Decision deadlines. Make sure to research the deadlines for each institution you're applying to and mark them on your calendar.
3. Test Score Submission Deadlines:
If you're planning to submit standardized test scores, be aware of the deadlines for score submission. Some schools require scores to be received by a certain date, while others allow for self-reporting or score updates after the application deadline.
4. Financial Aid Deadlines:
If you're applying for financial aid, be sure to check the deadlines for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or any other required financial aid forms. Missing these deadlines could affect your eligibility for financial assistance.
5. Decision Release Dates:
After submitting your application, you'll have to wait for the colleges to release their admission decisions. These dates vary depending on the institution. Be prepared to receive decisions between December and April, depending on the application cycle.
Stay organized and create a timeline to ensure that you meet all the necessary deadlines. The AXS Companion can also help you keep track of important dates and provide reminders to help you stay on top of your application process
Additional Resources for Common App Success
In addition to the AXS Companion, there are several other resources available to help you navigate the Common App and increase your chances of success. Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
1.The Common App Website:
The official Common App website provides a wealth of information and resources to help you throughout the application process. It includes FAQs, video tutorials, and guides on various topics related to college applications.
2. College Admissions Counselors:
Reach out to the admissions counselors at the colleges you're interested in. They can provide valuable insights and answer any specific questions you may have about their application process.
3. College Prep Books:
There are numerous books available that provide comprehensive guidance on college applications. Look for titles that specifically focus on the Common App and offer tips and strategies for maximizing your chances of acceptance. Here are my top 3 picks for College Admissions Prep:
- Who Gets In and Why - Jeff Selingo
- Fiske Guide to Colleges 2024
- College Admissions Essentials, Ethan Sawyer
4. Online Communities and Forums:
Join online communities and forums where you can connect with other students and parents who are going through the college application process. These platforms provide a space to ask questions, share experiences, and receive support.
Remember, the college application process can be challenging, but with the right resources and support, you can navigate it successfully.
Additional Guides Here
If these quick tips and tricks helped you, I would encourage you to take a look at our full guide on The Common App and AXS below!
For many students and families, navigating the ever-changing college admissions landscape can feel overwhelming. That’s where Shelly Humbach, founder of Humbach Education Consulting, LLC, comes in — blending experience, strategy, and compassion to help students find their best academic fit. A Career Pivot Rooted in Purpose Shelly began her professional journey as a litigation paralegal — a demanding role she excelled in for over two decades. But a volunteer role in a high school Post-Grad Department ignited a new passion: college admissions counseling. What started as service turned into a calling. With a clear vision, she pursued formal training through UCLA’s College Admissions Counseling Program, graduating with distinction, and became deeply involved in her profession through memberships in every relevant organization she could join. Nearly two decades on, she continues to refine her craft, guiding students with expertise, humor, and no nonsense. What Makes Her Approach Different? Shelly’s philosophy centers on customized strategy. Every student receives a personalized plan tailored to their goals, priorities, and return on investment — rather than generic, one-size-fits-all advice. She stays current by visiting campuses across the country, attending educational conferences, and leading workshops, ensuring her guidance reflects the realities of today’s admissions world. Moreover, Shelly is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) — a credential that signifies advanced training and professional rigor. This designation gives families confidence that they’re working with someone committed to the highest standards of service. Facing Challenges With Heart The road hasn’t been without its challenges. The college admissions process itself is more complex and opaque than ever, creating anxiety for students and parents alike. On top of that, Shelly acknowledges the escalating mental health pressures faced by today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, making her role as both guide and supporter all the more essential. How to Work With Shelly Shelly keeps her client roster intentionally limited to ensure deep, strategic engagement. She begins with an initial consultation that focuses on understanding the student’s goals and family priorities within the context of today’s admissions landscape. From there, she crafts a road map that encompasses coursework, testing plans, college selection, application strategies, and more. She also collaborates with trusted partners in test prep, tutoring, learning differences, and mental health, recognizing that successful college planning doesn’t happen in isolation. Shelly’s journey from legal professional to college planning expert exemplifies how following a passion — backed by skill, strategy, and empathy — can make a real impact on students’ lives. If you’re navigating the college admissions maze, her approach might be just what you need to feel prepared, confident, and supported.
Sophomore year is the quiet workhorse of high school. It’s not flashy like junior year. It’s not celebratory like senior year. But it matters. A lot. Here’s your tight, no-nonsense checklist: Academic Rigor Check Is your student appropriately challenged? Honors? AP? IB? Dual enrollment? Colleges care about trajectory. Upward trends = good. Coasting = not so much. Grades This is a foundational transcript year. No “we’ll fix it later” energy. Strong sophomore grades make junior year pressure more manageable. Testing Plan (Light, Strategic) Consider a practice SAT/ACT in the Spring. No need to prep - you are looking for a baseline. Diagnostic only. Meaningful Activities Random clubs and sporadic community service? Hard pass. Encourage commitment, leadership, and genuine interest. Colleges want to see depth, not breadth. Summer Game Plan Catch up on sleep, hang out with your friends…….and one or two of: camps, jobs, volunteering, academic programs, internships, and job shadowing. Summer is for fun and also for showing curiosity or initiative. Relationship Building Teachers matter. Not for favors. For mentorship. Strong junior-year recommendations start with authentic sophomore engagement. Early College Exposure Casual visits. A local campus tour. Virtual info sessions. Start noticing size, setting, vibe. You’re gathering data, not making decisions. Financial Reality Check Run Net Price Calculators. Yes, now. Sticker shock is real. Know your numbers early to inform a great fit college list, and also so senior year isn’t a panic spiral. Executive Function Audit Time management. Organization. Study habits. If there are cracks, identify and work on them before junior year hits like a freight train. Mental Health Ambition is great. Burnout is not. Balance matters. Always. Sophomore year is about positioning. Quiet, strategic positioning. No drama. No frenzy. Just smart moves that compound over time. You’ve got this. And maybe put junior year on your vision board, cause it’s coming.
FINANCIAL FIT (a.k.a. Don’t Wreck Your Retirement) ☐ Have an honest family conversation about maximum annual college spend ☐ Run the college website Net Price Calculator for at least 5–8 schools ☐ Complete FAFSA prep (FSA IDs created for student + 1 parent) ☐ Separate dream schools from financially realistic schools ☐ Often sticker price ≠ net price COLLEGE LIST STRATEGY ☐ Confirm your student’s GPA/test scores in context of each school ☐ Build a balanced list: likely / target / reach / wildcard (no more than 10) ☐ Check which schools are test-optional vs test-preferred vs test-required ☐ Remove any school that makes zero financial sense (yes, even that one) CAMPUS VISITS (WORK SMART, NOT CUTE) ☐ Schedule official tours and ask about sitting in on a class ☐ Preview virtual tours before visiting ☐ Meet the regional admissions rep ☐ Visit or email the Financial Aid Office - Ask: “Based on our profile, what’s a realistic net cost?” TESTING (STRATEGY OVER PANIC) ☐ Decide SAT/ACT plan early (spring = ideal) ☐ Compare scores to each school’s middle 50% ☐ Submit scores only if they strengthen the application ☐ Support stress management - not score obsession TIMELINE & MOMENTUM ☐ Summer after junior year = essay drafting season (Godspeed) ☐ Create a senior-year application calendar ☐ Track deadlines: EA / ED / RD / Scholarships ☐ Keep senior-year grades strong (yes, colleges still care) PARENT REMINDERS (READ THIS TWICE) ☐ This is your student’s journey - guide, don’t micromanage ☐ Comparison is poison (especially with other parents). THIS. ☐ Prestige does not equal happiness, success, or ROI ☐ A financially sane college choice is a win
For many students and families, navigating the ever-changing college admissions landscape can feel overwhelming. That’s where Shelly Humbach, founder of Humbach Education Consulting, LLC, comes in — blending experience, strategy, and compassion to help students find their best academic fit. A Career Pivot Rooted in Purpose Shelly began her professional journey as a litigation paralegal — a demanding role she excelled in for over two decades. But a volunteer role in a high school Post-Grad Department ignited a new passion: college admissions counseling. What started as service turned into a calling. With a clear vision, she pursued formal training through UCLA’s College Admissions Counseling Program, graduating with distinction, and became deeply involved in her profession through memberships in every relevant organization she could join. Nearly two decades on, she continues to refine her craft, guiding students with expertise, humor, and no nonsense. What Makes Her Approach Different? Shelly’s philosophy centers on customized strategy. Every student receives a personalized plan tailored to their goals, priorities, and return on investment — rather than generic, one-size-fits-all advice. She stays current by visiting campuses across the country, attending educational conferences, and leading workshops, ensuring her guidance reflects the realities of today’s admissions world. Moreover, Shelly is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) — a credential that signifies advanced training and professional rigor. This designation gives families confidence that they’re working with someone committed to the highest standards of service. Facing Challenges With Heart The road hasn’t been without its challenges. The college admissions process itself is more complex and opaque than ever, creating anxiety for students and parents alike. On top of that, Shelly acknowledges the escalating mental health pressures faced by today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, making her role as both guide and supporter all the more essential. How to Work With Shelly Shelly keeps her client roster intentionally limited to ensure deep, strategic engagement. She begins with an initial consultation that focuses on understanding the student’s goals and family priorities within the context of today’s admissions landscape. From there, she crafts a road map that encompasses coursework, testing plans, college selection, application strategies, and more. She also collaborates with trusted partners in test prep, tutoring, learning differences, and mental health, recognizing that successful college planning doesn’t happen in isolation. Shelly’s journey from legal professional to college planning expert exemplifies how following a passion — backed by skill, strategy, and empathy — can make a real impact on students’ lives. If you’re navigating the college admissions maze, her approach might be just what you need to feel prepared, confident, and supported.
Sophomore year is the quiet workhorse of high school. It’s not flashy like junior year. It’s not celebratory like senior year. But it matters. A lot. Here’s your tight, no-nonsense checklist: Academic Rigor Check Is your student appropriately challenged? Honors? AP? IB? Dual enrollment? Colleges care about trajectory. Upward trends = good. Coasting = not so much. Grades This is a foundational transcript year. No “we’ll fix it later” energy. Strong sophomore grades make junior year pressure more manageable. Testing Plan (Light, Strategic) Consider a practice SAT/ACT in the Spring. No need to prep - you are looking for a baseline. Diagnostic only. Meaningful Activities Random clubs and sporadic community service? Hard pass. Encourage commitment, leadership, and genuine interest. Colleges want to see depth, not breadth. Summer Game Plan Catch up on sleep, hang out with your friends…….and one or two of: camps, jobs, volunteering, academic programs, internships, and job shadowing. Summer is for fun and also for showing curiosity or initiative. Relationship Building Teachers matter. Not for favors. For mentorship. Strong junior-year recommendations start with authentic sophomore engagement. Early College Exposure Casual visits. A local campus tour. Virtual info sessions. Start noticing size, setting, vibe. You’re gathering data, not making decisions. Financial Reality Check Run Net Price Calculators. Yes, now. Sticker shock is real. Know your numbers early to inform a great fit college list, and also so senior year isn’t a panic spiral. Executive Function Audit Time management. Organization. Study habits. If there are cracks, identify and work on them before junior year hits like a freight train. Mental Health Ambition is great. Burnout is not. Balance matters. Always. Sophomore year is about positioning. Quiet, strategic positioning. No drama. No frenzy. Just smart moves that compound over time. You’ve got this. And maybe put junior year on your vision board, cause it’s coming.
FINANCIAL FIT (a.k.a. Don’t Wreck Your Retirement) ☐ Have an honest family conversation about maximum annual college spend ☐ Run the college website Net Price Calculator for at least 5–8 schools ☐ Complete FAFSA prep (FSA IDs created for student + 1 parent) ☐ Separate dream schools from financially realistic schools ☐ Often sticker price ≠ net price COLLEGE LIST STRATEGY ☐ Confirm your student’s GPA/test scores in context of each school ☐ Build a balanced list: likely / target / reach / wildcard (no more than 10) ☐ Check which schools are test-optional vs test-preferred vs test-required ☐ Remove any school that makes zero financial sense (yes, even that one) CAMPUS VISITS (WORK SMART, NOT CUTE) ☐ Schedule official tours and ask about sitting in on a class ☐ Preview virtual tours before visiting ☐ Meet the regional admissions rep ☐ Visit or email the Financial Aid Office - Ask: “Based on our profile, what’s a realistic net cost?” TESTING (STRATEGY OVER PANIC) ☐ Decide SAT/ACT plan early (spring = ideal) ☐ Compare scores to each school’s middle 50% ☐ Submit scores only if they strengthen the application ☐ Support stress management - not score obsession TIMELINE & MOMENTUM ☐ Summer after junior year = essay drafting season (Godspeed) ☐ Create a senior-year application calendar ☐ Track deadlines: EA / ED / RD / Scholarships ☐ Keep senior-year grades strong (yes, colleges still care) PARENT REMINDERS (READ THIS TWICE) ☐ This is your student’s journey - guide, don’t micromanage ☐ Comparison is poison (especially with other parents). THIS. ☐ Prestige does not equal happiness, success, or ROI ☐ A financially sane college choice is a win
Juniors (and parents), take a breath. The college search can feel like trying to pick a favorite show on Netflix with 4,000 options and no remote. It’s overwhelming, and without a plan, nothing happens except mild panic and procrastination. Here’s how to cut through the noise: 1. Start close to home. Visit a small, medium, and large college in your state — even if none of them are on your actual list. You’re gathering data, not declaring allegiance. Pay attention to the basics: campus vibe, feeling of safety, surrounding town. Not every school sits in a picture-perfect bubble. (Looking at you, USC area.) Understanding what size and setting feel right is the foundation for building a meaningful college list. 2. Turn travel into opportunity. Heading out of town for Spring Break or a long weekend? Add a campus or two to the itinerary. You may think you’d never go to college in that region, but campus visits have a way of changing minds, or reinforcing them. Also, test the travel logistics. If getting from home to campus feels like planning a Mars mission, that’s worth knowing. 3. Make each visit count. Sign up for the official tour. But if you can skip the info session, do it. They’re often more marketing than substance, and the biggest takeaway is usually a free pen. Instead, ask Admissions if you can sit in on a class, tour the department you’re actually interested in, or talk with a professor. That’s where you get the real story. A bachelor’s degree is a major investment both financially and personally. Treat the process for what it is: a thoughtful evaluation of your options. The campus visit remains one of the most valuable tools you have. Use it intentionally, and you’ll make smarter choices with far less stress and a fantastic outcome.
College Application Season, a/k/a Application Hell, is upon us. Every year, my Colorado kids are pushed to meet the Colorado Free Application Days, which typically are in early October. This early deadline is both a blessing and a curse. Let me explain. The curse is that it’s early, and the pressure to complete applications and essays is intense. The blessing is that it’s early, which requires students to get their act together and finish their applications and essays. This dichotomy mirrors my experience working with teens. It is, you guessed it, both a blessing and a curse. Now, I realize I am being over-generalistic, but bear with me. The blessings are innumerable: they are bright, funny, kind, compassionate, and very, very aware. Of all kinds of stuff. Gen Z is fascinating in that they have the emotional intelligence of, say, a 45-year-old mother of three. They are informed and driven to act to impact injustices, locally and globally. And bonus! They can handle any of your persnickety tech issues without blinking an eye. Gen Z restores my faith in humanity, and for that, I am deeply grateful. And the curse? They cannot write. By the grace of God, each year, I have a handful of students who can write brilliantly, beautifully. But every year, that handful gets smaller, and along with that so does my faith in humanity. I firmly believe and bear witness to the fact that readers make writers. This is true for me. It is true for my children, and it’s just true. The rant? Devices and social media (I know, I am a broken record) are the culprit. Gen Z is growing up in a world of clickbait communication and constant distraction, fueled by addictive algorithms. The result - many have the attention span of a gnat. NO ONE IS READING ANYMORE. I don’t mean a headline. I mean a full article, let alone a book. Remember those? As a mother of three adults, functioning children, and a professional who has worked with hundreds of teens, please take heed. Read to your kids. Invite your kids to read to you. Their future depends on it.
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.”
I work with incredible colleagues; collaborative, smart and supportive. They make me better and I am deeply grateful. Every year, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy of Big J Educational Consulting share invaluable information regarding college admissions. Their research is impeccable and accurate and provides crucial data to help students and families make informed college decisions. Read on, share broadly and give a shout out to these generous professionals! Early Decision and Regular Decision Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Domestic Undergraduate Need-Based and Merit Aid Class of 2028 In-State and Out-of-State Acceptance Rates Class of 2028 Financial Aid for International Noncitizens Class of 2028 International Noncitizens Acceptance Rate and Yield Class of 2028 Percentage of Students Submitting SAT and ACT Scores Class of 2028 Athletic Divisions and Conferences (partial list) Class of 2028 - NEW! These charts are visual, interactive, and easy to use. They make it possible to instantly sort using any column's metrics and to easily compare subsets of colleges. They are free and can be accessed at www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/resources . From Jennie and Jeff: We hope you find these resources helpful in your work guiding students. Please feel free to share them broadly as long as they remain in their original unedited form. Permission is not granted to those charging a fee for their distribution. If you find an error after cross-referencing with an institution's Common Data Set, please contact us at info@bigjconsult.com . Thank you!
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