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Complete Your Common Application – How-To Guide with GradMap Auto-Fill

How-To Guide with GradMap Auto-Fill

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Written by Michelle Mai
Updated over a month ago

🔄 Step 1: Create a Common App Account

  • Create an account as an Incoming Freshman for the correct academic year and term

  • Save your login credentials somewhere secure (we recommend using a password manager!)


🏫 Step 2: Add Colleges & Majors

  • Log in and go to the College Search tab

  • Add the colleges you intend to apply to

  • Under each college tab:

    • Select Term (e.g., Fall 20XX)

    • Choose your Admission Type (e.g., Early Action, Regular Decision)

    • Select your First-Choice Major and, if available, an Alternate Major

💡 Pro-Tip: Some colleges have specific essay prompts based on your chosen major. Plan ahead!


📝 Step 3: Prepare Your GradMap Account

  • Complete your full GradMap Profile

  • Keep GradMap open in a separate Chrome tab


⚙️ Step 4: Use GradMap Auto-Fill Extension in Chrome

  • Log into your Common App account using Google Chrome

  • Click on the GradMap Extension icon

  • Select “Common App Auto-Fill”

  • On each section, click FILL, wait until the button stops spinning, and then review your information


📂 Sections Auto-Filled by GradMap

Common App Tab

  • Personal Info

  • Address

  • Contact Info

  • Demographics

  • Language

  • Geography & Nationality (SSN must be entered manually)

  • Common App Fee Waiver

Family Section

  • Household

  • Parent 1, Parent 2

  • Legal Guardian (if applicable)

  • Siblings

  • Step-Parents (if applicable)

Education Section

  • Current/Most Recent High School

  • Other Secondary High Schools

  • Colleges & Universities

  • Grades

  • Current or Most Recent Year Courses

  • Honors

  • Community-Based Organizations

  • Future Plans

Testing Section

  • Tests Taken

  • ACT, SAT, AP, IB (manual entry required for Subject Tests, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

Activities Section

  • Up to 10 activities auto-filled

  • Customize order and descriptions if needed in GradMap first

Writing Section

  • Personal Essay: Enter manually

  • Additional Information: Auto-filled (e.g., College courses taken in high school)

Courses & Grades Section (if required by a college)

  • Auto-fill includes: 9th–12th grade transcripts, summer, and middle school courses as allowed

  • GradMap prioritizes courses if over the 4 “Other Courses” limit


✅ Final Checklist Before Submission

  • Verify Social Security Number and course grades

  • Confirm activities and honors are clear and in order

  • Ensure test scores reflect your submission strategy

  • Check all majors and alternate majors

  • Save a PDF of your full application

💡 Pro-Tip: Submit 7–10 days early to avoid last-minute issues with transcripts, recommendations, or tech hiccups.


GradMap is here to save you time and stress so you can focus on your story.

You’ve got this! 💪🎓

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