The Common App … what’s that?

You’ve probably heard a bit about the Common App, but in case it’s not clear what it is and what role it will be playing in your senior year, let’s have a brief look. If this is new to you, don’t worry — the Common App will make college applications easier.

The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is a non-profit organization that provides an undergraduate college admission application online that applicants may use to apply to any of nearly 1,000 member colleges and universities in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, and many European countries, in particular, the United Kingdom.

The Common App standardizes the college application form, thus making it easier for you to apply to the colleges on your list. Instead of filling in a different form for each school, you can complete just one, the Common App, which will be sent to the schools.

Having said that, here’s the basics of what you will need to do and what the Common App can do for you:

  1. Create an Account: The first step in using the Common App is to create a personal account on the website. This account will be the place where you can keep track of all your application materials, deadlines, and submission statuses.
  2. Explore Colleges: The Common App website includes a feature that allows you to explore the participating schools. Each school’s page includes information about the institution, its programs, and its requirements for admission.
  3. Add Colleges to Your List: Once you’ve identified the colleges you’re interested in, you add them to “My Colleges.” The colleges you select will be the ones to which you send your applications.
  4. Complete the Common App General Application: The heart of the Common App is the general application, which includes different sections for personal and demographic information, your academic history, your activities and achievements, and your personal essay. This general application information will be sent to every college you apply to through the Common App.
  5. Complete Individual College Supplements: In addition to the general application, many colleges require supplemental materials. These can include additional essays, short answer questions, and other components. Each college’s supplements are different, and they’re designed to help the college get a better understanding of who you are and how you might fit into their community.
  6. Submit: After you’ve completed the general application and any required supplements, you’re ready to submit your applications. This is done electronically through the Common App website.
  7. Track Your Application: After submission, you can track your application status, see if there’s anything else you need to provide, or check admission decisions (if the university provides this option) through the Common App website.

However, some college do not accept the Common App, so students should still do their research to ensure they understand each college’s specific application requirements. You should also be aware of the

What you need to start the Common App

The Common App usually becomes available in the late summer, so you should take advantage of the last weeks of summer vacation to get a start on setting up your profile and your applications. You’ll need to collect the following, at a minimum:

A copy of your high school transcript

A list of your activities, work, and family responsibilities

Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc.)

Parent/Legal guardian information

Academic honors and achievements