Common App vs. UCs: A Deep Dive into Successful College Application Examples

Join Collegewise on Tuesday, March 03 at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET for a live webinar that walks through successful Common App and UC applications. See how students make smart choices that help admissions officers quickly understand who they are and what they will bring to that campus.

Ideal for families with teens in grades 7-11!

See Real College Applications. Learn What Really Works…and What Doesn't.

Most families understand the basic components of a college application. Fewer understand how admissions officers evaluate them or what separates an average application from a compelling one.

Students get one chance to apply and make their case for admission, so getting it right is critical. The strongest applications are shaped by clear choices, thoughtful storytelling, and an understanding of how applications are read.

In this webinar, we'll walk through real Common App and UC applications submitted by real students. You will see how successful applicants approach activities, essays, and overall presentation to create a clear and convincing picture of who they are and the value they offer.

✨ You’ll discover:

Real examples of successful Common App and UC applications
Key differences in how Common App and UC applications are evaluated
Practical guidance for presenting activities, awards, and commitments
Expert advice on picking essay topics that feel authentic and memorable
Smart ways to plan ahead and avoid common application mistakes

👉 Help your student learn what works before the application season begins. Register now!

Renee Bischoff

Former Admissions Officer at Northwestern, DePaul, Lake Forest, Carleton

Renee brings over 30 years of admissions and counseling experience to Collegewise, including roles in college admissions at Carleton, Northwestern, DePaul, and Lake Forest, and in college counseling at top independent schools like Polytechnic School in Pasadena and Hawken School in Cleveland. She’s guided students to more than 200 colleges across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Cambridge, and the UCs. Known for her candor, warmth, and strategic mindset, Renee helps students stay grounded, confident, and on track no matter how complex the process. She holds a BA from Carleton College and an MBA from DePaul University.

Ian Parker

UC Admissions Expert

As a former Master Tutor at The Princeton Review, Ian Parker brings a deep background in academic coaching and college advising to his work at Collegewise. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Saint Joseph’s University and a teaching credential from California State University Long Beach. As co-lead of Collegewise’s counselor training program, Ian helps uphold the organization’s advising standards and contributes to widely used resources like the Common App Guide and student activities toolkit. Since joining Collegewise, his students have been accepted to over 150 colleges and universities, a reflection of the expertise, care, and individualized support he brings to every family.