Everything You Need to Know About the Common Application: A Guide for College Applicants
The college application process can feel overwhelming for students and their families. Between researching colleges, preparing for standardized tests, and writing personal statements, it’s easy to feel lost. One tool that simplifies this daunting process is the Common Application (often called the Common App). By allowing students to apply to multiple colleges with a single application, it has become a popular choice for millions of applicants each year.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Common Application: what it is, how it works, and tips to make the most out of it.
What is the Common Application?
The Common Application is a standardized online college application platform that lets students apply to multiple colleges and universities using one general application. Launched in 1975 with the goal of streamlining the admissions process, the platform has grown significantly and is now used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide, including many prestigious institutions like Ivy League schools and large public universities.
The Common App allows applicants to submit:
- Personal information (contact details, family background, etc.)
- Academic records
- Extracurricular activities
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation
In essence, it collects most of the core materials that colleges require during the admissions process. What’s more, many colleges waive their application fee for students who use the Common App, which can be a huge bonus for those applying to many schools.
How Does the Common App Work?
The Common Application system is relatively straightforward, but it requires attention to detail and organization. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the platform:
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Create an Account
Before doing anything else, you’ll need to create a Common App account at www.commonapp.org. You can do this as early as your junior year in high school, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the platform and gather the necessary information.
When creating your account, you’ll be asked to provide basic information like your name, address, and email. Once your account is set up, you can begin exploring the colleges that accept the Common App and start adding schools to your “My Colleges” list.
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Research Colleges
One of the best features of the Common App is the ability to search for and organize your potential colleges. You can search for schools based on location, size, academic programs, and other factors. Once you find colleges that interest you, simply add them to your list.
Each college has its own set of application requirements. Some may require additional essays or documents beyond the standard Common App materials. It’s crucial to review each college’s application carefully to ensure you meet all of their requirements.
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Complete the Application Sections
There are a few major sections in the Common App that all students must complete, regardless of which schools they’re applying to:
- Profile: This includes personal information such as your name, date of birth, contact information, and citizenship status.
- Family: Here, you’ll provide information about your parents or guardians, including their educational background and employment.
- Education: You’ll detail your academic history, including your high school(s), GPA, class rank, and course load. This section also includes space to input your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.) if you plan to submit them.
- Testing: Not all colleges require standardized test scores, especially with the rise of test-optional policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if you do want to submit scores, this is where you would report them.
- Activities: This section allows you to list up to ten extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer work, or hobbies that you’ve been involved with during high school. Make sure to describe each activity briefly and focus on those that have had the most impact on your personal development.
- Writing: The heart of the Common App is the personal statement or Common App essay. This is your opportunity to share more about yourself beyond your grades and test scores.
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Write the Common App Essay
The personal essay is one of the most important aspects of the Common Application. While it may feel intimidating, it’s an opportunity to tell your story, share your passions, and demonstrate how you think. For many schools, it can be a deciding factor between two similarly qualified applicants.
The Common App essay prompts change slightly from year to year, but they typically offer several options for students to choose from. You can expect prompts that ask you to reflect on personal growth, challenges, or experiences that have shaped you. The essay should be around 650 words and carefully proofread for clarity and grammar.
Here are some tips for writing a great Common App essay:
- Be authentic: Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are. Don’t try to write what you think they want to hear—write what’s meaningful to you.
- Tell a story: Use specific examples and anecdotes to make your essay stand out. This will make your writing more engaging and memorable.
- Reflect: Don’t just describe experiences—reflect on how they’ve shaped your perspective, character, and future goals.
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Request Letters of Recommendation
Most colleges that use the Common App require letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors. Through the platform, you can invite recommenders by providing their email addresses. Once they agree to write a letter for you, they can upload it directly to the Common App.
It’s a good idea to ask your recommenders early—at least a month before the deadline—so they have plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter.
Here at Providence, we have our students request letters of recommendation from faculty or staff through Scoir, our college planning system. Outside letters of recommendation are requested through the Common App. We coach our students through this process during our College Application Bootcamp each August.
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Submit Supplemental Essays (if required)
Some colleges may require supplemental essays in addition to the Common App essay. These essays are typically shorter and ask more specific questions about why you’re applying to a particular school or what you can contribute to their campus community.
Be sure to give yourself enough time to craft thoughtful and well-researched responses to these prompts. If you’re applying to multiple schools with different supplemental essay requirements, organization and time management are key.
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Review and Submit Your Application
Before hitting submit, it’s essential to review your entire application. Check for typos, ensure that all sections are complete, and verify that you’ve attached the correct documents for each college.
The Common App allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once, but you can submit applications to schools individually as well. Be mindful of each school’s deadlines and application fees (if applicable), and make sure everything is submitted on time.
Benefits of Using the Common Application
There are several benefits to using the Common App:
- Saves time: Instead of filling out separate applications for each college, the Common App allows you to apply to multiple schools with a single form, saving you a considerable amount of time and effort.
- Organized platform: The Common App’s dashboard makes it easy to keep track of deadlines, recommendations, and individual college requirements. You’ll have a clear view of what you’ve completed and what still needs to be done.
- Accessibility: The Common App is available online and has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to students across the world. It also offers fee waivers for students with financial need, making it more affordable to apply to multiple schools.
- Broad reach: With over 1,000 participating institutions, the Common App allows you to apply to a wide range of schools across the United States and internationally.
Potential Challenges with the Common App
While the Common App has many advantages, it also presents some challenges. First, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the specific requirements of each school, as some colleges may request additional materials or have different deadlines.
Additionally, because many schools accept the Common App, competition can be fierce. Colleges may receive thousands of applications through the platform, so it’s essential to ensure that your application stands out by being thorough, polished, and authentic.
Final Thoughts on the Common Application
The Common Application is a valuable tool for simplifying the college admissions process, but it still requires careful planning, thoughtful writing, and attention to detail. By starting early, researching colleges, and putting in your best effort, you can navigate the Common App confidently and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.
Happy applying!