Common App: Usage, Application Opening, Essays & Completion Guide
The college application process can be a marathon for students and their parents, filled with research, paperwork, standardized tests (SAT/ACT), college tours, and a demanding senior-year workload.
The Common Application, accepted by over 1,000 schools, including some international institutions, offers a streamlined solution for a crucial part of the application process. However, especially for families unfamiliar with the intricacies of college admissions, the Common App can be confusing. The following guide aims to ease the journey for students and parents by simplifying the process.
What is the Common Application?
The Common App allows first-time and transfer students to apply to multiple colleges simultaneously by streamlining the college application process. This eliminates the need for repetitive data entry, requiring students to fill out details like name, address, and extracurricular activities only once.
Plus, the Common App dashboard keeps you organized, tracking deadlines and reminding you about necessary documents like letters of recommendation and SOPs.
“The idea behind the Common App is to try and reduce the barriers that students face when applying to college,” says Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of Common App, the nonprofit that manages the application.
What Colleges Use the Common App?
The Common App is a centralized platform used by over 1000 colleges and universities across the US and around the world. This diverse group of institutions includes private and public colleges, large and small universities, engineering-focused schools, and liberal arts colleges, offering a wide range of academic programs, campus environments, and extracurricular activities to suit the needs and interests of every student. With 1082 colleges and universities participating, discover the diverse range of Common App colleges that could be your perfect fit.
Note: The Common App isn’t universally accepted. While a large majority of US colleges use it, some prestigious institutions have opted out, requiring separate applications.
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When Does the Common App Open?
The new Common App application cycle opens on August 1st each year. While individual college deadlines vary, be sure to pay close attention to when your chosen schools require application materials.
Early applicants take note: Deadlines for early action or early decision programs may fall in November or December, while regular decision deadlines typically land around January 1st. Keep in mind that these are general ranges. It’s always wise to confirm exact deadlines with each college you’re applying to.
Here’s some good news. You don’t have to wait for August 1st to get started! You can create a Common App account anytime and simply transfer your information to the new application cycle when it opens. College admissions experts strongly recommend completing application tasks early, even during the summer before your senior year.
“You may have questions or need help that may not be possible at the last minute. Don’t wait until the deadline day to complete your application,” says Keri Risic, executive director of admissions at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities.
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How to Complete the Common Application?
Follow these steps to seamlessly create your profile, connect with recommenders, and submit applications to your dream schools:
- Start your application: Visit commonapp.org and click “Start your application.” Here, you’ll find instructions on creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, download the Common App mobile app to manage deadlines, request recommendations, and set reminders on the go.
- Choose your path: Select “First-Year Student” or “Transfer Student,” depending on your application type.
- Provide basic info: Enter your name, email, phone number, address, date of birth, and prospective enrollment year.
- Complete your profile: Fill out the requested details about your education, extracurricular activities, demographics, household information, and more.
- Gather recommendations: Add collaborators like teachers, counselors, and others who will provide letters of recommendation or supporting documents.
- Explore your options: Search for and add colleges to your “My Colleges” list.
- Apply with confidence: Familiarize yourself with each college’s specific application requirements and follow them carefully during the submission process.
- Check your application status: Use the icons on your dashboard to easily track the progress of your applications. A green checkmark indicates a completed submission, a yellow circle shows applications in progress, and a red dash means a section is not required for that college.
- Don’t forget to submit! Meet the deadline by submitting all your application materials by 11:59 PM (local time) on the date listed in your Common App dashboard.
What Are the Common Application Essays?
Streamline your application process by writing just one essay for most colleges through the Common App. While some schools might ask additional questions, you can start strategizing now! The seven essay prompts (unchanged from last year) offer various options, like “reflecting on challenging a belief” or “discussing a personal growth experience.” Each essay has a 650-word limit.
An optional question about the pandemic’s impact remains, with a 250-word limit. About 14% of applicants answered it last year. Remember that not all schools require essays, and some have additional requirements. Check each school’s details on the Common App platform or download a PDF for offline reference. Preview the supplemental questions there too!
How Does the Common App Work for Transfer Students?
Though over 600 schools use the Common App for transfers, the process varies slightly from first-time applications. While the core transfer portion remains similar, additional information like enrollment dates, completed coursework, GPA, and transcripts from attended colleges is required.
Additionally, Common App essays are mandatory for transfers and now use the same prompts as first-time applicants, updated last year.
What Does the Common App Cost?
Using the Common App to apply to college is free, but individual colleges charge their application fees, typically ranging from $30 to $75 for US applicants and more for international students. However, nearly half of member schools waive fees for first-year students.
If you qualify for a fee waiver based on National Association for College Admission Counseling standards, you can indicate your eligibility on the Common App, and it will automatically apply to all your applications. “A student only needs to indicate that they have financial hardship once in the application, and that fee waiver can be applied to any school they apply to,” Jenny Rickard says.
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From the Desk of Yocket
Undoubtedly, the Common App’s biggest advantage is its convenience. Filling out one application for multiple colleges saves an immense amount of time and effort compared to individual applications. Entering basic information, academic details, and activities once simplifies the process, especially for students applying to numerous institutions. The platform also promotes organization and clarity. Colleges receive everything in a standardized format, allowing for easier comparison and evaluation.
For applicants, keeping track of deadlines, requirements, and submitted materials becomes more manageable within a single system. The Common App’s vast network of member colleges expands possibilities. Students can explore diverse institutions across the country, potentially discovering options they might have missed otherwise. This broad reach opens doors to a wider range of academic environments and opportunities. Additionally, platforms like Yocket can help students to gain even more comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their college choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application is a platform that allows you to apply to over 1,000 colleges in the US and abroad with one application. It streamlines the process by having you fill out common sections and tailor them to each college’s specific requirements.
Should I apply directly to my college or through the Common App?
You should check if your college accepts the Common App. If yes, it’s generally more efficient to use it. However, some colleges may have additional requirements for direct applications or prefer one system.
How do I apply to colleges with the Common App?
Create an account on the Common App website and follow the application prompts. You’ll need to enter personal information, academic details, activities, essays, and recommendations.