In the context of the Common Application (often referred to as the Common App), the "date of entry" typically refers to the date when a student first enters or begins their post-secondary education. This is an important aspect of college applications as it helps to establish the timeline of a student’s academic history.
Here are some detailed points regarding the date of entry in the Common App:
Definition: The date of entry indicates when a student will start or has started their college education. For most students, this will be the semester in which they first enroll in a college or university after high school.
Importance: Colleges and universities often inquire about the date of entry to assess an applicant’s academic progression, gap years, and overall educational timeline. It helps institutions understand where a student fits within their application cycle (for example, whether they are applying for early action or regular decision).
Typical Entries: For a traditional high school student applying directly to college, the date of entry will usually be the fall semester following their high school graduation. For example, if a student graduates in June 2024 and plans to start college in August 2024, their date of entry would be August 2024.
Special Circumstances: If a student took a gap year, transferred from another institution, or is applying after having completed some college coursework, they should enter the date that corresponds to when they first intend to enroll or when they actually began their college education.
Impact on Application: The date of entry can also affect the applicant’s readiness, financial considerations (like scholarships or financial aid timelines), and career planning. Colleges may also use this information to determine how their applications fit within their admissions goals.
Documentation: In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide documentation or explanations for their date of entry, especially if there are irregularities in their academic timeline (such as taking extended breaks between schooling).
- Common App Sections: The Common App has specific sections where students are asked to input their anticipated or actual date of entry, and it’s essential to fill this out accurately to avoid any discrepancies in the application process.
Overall, the date of entry is a key piece of information in the college application process, providing context about a student’s academic path and readiness for further education.