The AXS Companion is a free, open, online resource to help students navigate Common App. Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) volunteers created the content, and Oregon State University’s Ecampus developed the platform with the goal of helping students achieve greater success in completing their college applications.
The AXS Companion and Common App can be opened and used side-by-side on a phone, tablet, or laptop. The AXS Companion contains 50+ step-by-step tutorial videos, walking students through Common App questions. Additionally, our financial aid experts provide videos to explain how to find affordable colleges and apply for merit & need-based aid.
The AXS Companion topics include:
- Overview of College Admissions
- How to Create a Common App Account
- How to Complete Profile
- How to Complete Family
- How to Complete Education
- Submitting Test Scores
- Completing Activities List
- Writing the Personal Essay
- Completing Courses & Grades
- Overview of My Colleges section
- Writing Supplemental Essays
- Tips for the “Why Us?” Essay
- FERPA Waiver
- Letters of Recommendation
- Submitting the Application
- Student Follow-up after Submitting Applications
- How Colleges Review Applications
Financial Aid
- Sticker Price v. Net Price
- Understanding Need-based Aid
- Understanding FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Understanding Loans
- Understanding Merit Aid
- Building a Smart College List
Writing Videos and Resources
- How to Write the Activities Section
- How to Write the Personal Essay
- How to Write the Supplemental Essays
- How to Write the Why Us Essay
