The AXS Companion: Your Free, Step-by-Step Guide to the Common App
Applying to college through the Common Application can feel overwhelming—especially without access to professional guidance. The AXS Companion was created to change that. It is a free, open online resource, designed by Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) members in collaboration with Oregon State University, for you to use alongside the Common App as you work through your applications. Each section corresponds directly to a Common App section and includes short explanatory videos, practical tips, a glossary of key terms, and links to additional resources. The AXS Companion provides you with access and clarity without requiring a login, displaying advertising, or promoting products or services.
How to Use the AXS Companion
The most effective way to use the AXS Companion is to keep it open while you work on your Common App, either on a second device or in a separate browser window. A recommended approach is to move through your application step by step. As you complete each section of the Common App, navigate to the corresponding section in the AXS Companion and watch the short videos and review the tips before entering information into the application.
For sections that require more reflection and careful wording—particularly essays, the activities list, and the honors section—we strongly recommend drafting your responses in a Google Doc or Word document first, rather than working directly in the Common App. Writing in a separate document allows you to revise thoughtfully, track changes, receive feedback from trusted adults, and avoid losing work. Once your responses are polished and finalized, you can copy and paste them into the Common App.
If you cannot complete a section of your Common App in one sitting, you can save your progress and return to it later. The AXS Companion is flexible by design, so you do not need to move through it in a strict order. If you have a question about a specific part of the application, you can skip ahead to that section in both the Common App and the Companion.
You can search for specific topics or terms at any time using the “Search in book” feature in the top right corner of the AXS Companion, or use the Contents menu, which is organized by Common App section. Once you begin using the Companion, you can move between pages using the Previous and Next buttons at the bottom of each page.
Tracking Your Progress
At the top of each page in the AXS Companion, you’ll see a large pencil graphic that shows where you are in the overall application process. The relative size of each section reflects the estimated time required to complete that part of the Common App, and each video and page also includes a time estimate to help you plan your work and manage your time. The goal is not simply to help you complete the application, but to make the process more manageable and less intimidating by breaking it into clear, achievable steps.
Designed for Flexibility and Access
You can use the AXS Companion however it works best for you, whether that means working side by side with the Common App on a single computer or using multiple devices, such as a phone or tablet in addition to a laptop. While the Companion moves through the Common App in a logical, linear sequence, you are always free to return to sections later, skip ahead if you are waiting on information, and use the resource in the way that best supports your progress. In addition, the AXS Companion includes a curated list of Additional Resources that may be helpful throughout your college search and application journey.
Final Thought
The AXS Companion provides clear, professional guidance for the Common App without barriers or cost. Bookmark it now so you can reference it when you start your application.
