Common Application Guide

What Is the Common App?

The Common Application automatically fills in sections ofcollege applications, making it easier for prospective students to apply to multiple schools. First-year and transfer students can both use the application, which asks students to provide the most commonly required information, post their application essays, and submit materials like transcripts and letters of recommendation. This information is then submitted to several schools, saving students time and effort.

Prospective students can use this service to apply to online schools, apply for transfer credit, and receive helpful tips and school and program recommendations.

More than 900 colleges and universities work with the Common Application, making it one of the most popular platforms of its kind. However, some states and schools have their own systems, so students should check to see if their desired schools use the Common App. Participating schools use the same rubric to judge Common Application users and independent applicants.

Benefits of the Common App

The Common Application offers several advantages. For schools, its inclusivity encourages a diverse selection of applicants. For individual degree-seekers, the service allows them to:

• Apply more quickly.
• Avoid filling out the same information multiple times.
• Receive updates on mobile devices.
• Easily manage application requirements and deadlines.

Which Schools Accept the Common App?

The Common Application works with more than 900 schools, including institutions in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Prospective students can apply to online, Ivy League, public, and private colleges and universities. Some schools prefer to work with the Common Application over their own application processes, although candidates can still independently apply to any school that uses the Common App.

For schools that don't accept the Common Application, students should look into whether similar platforms are accepted, like the MyCoalition application and the Universal College Application. Keep in mind that some institutions just require candidates to send their applications through their own platforms, and don't accept any kind of universal application at all, so it's important to research the preferred process at your target school.

How Can I See if a School Accepts the Common App?

Prospective students curious if their desired college or university works with the Common Application can use the site's explore function. This function lists every participating institution, allowing users to find school information, admission requirements, and available programs.

Is the Common App Free?

While students can use the Common Application for free, some individual schools still charge an application fee, even if you use the Common App to apply to them. According to U.S. News, the average application fee in 2020 was $44.

However, prospective students who can demonstrate financial need may request fee waiver forms in the profile section of the application. To qualify, a guidance counselor must fill out the form, confirming that the applicant meets the necessary conditions. Candidates who do not meet the initial requirements can also request a supporting statement from a counselor or financial aid officer.

How Do I Fill Out the Common App?

The Common Application provides guides for first-time degree-seekers and transfer students, walking prospective learners through the process, including how to gather transcripts, test scores, support materials, and personal information well in advance of application deadlines. Candidates can then make an account, add their ideal schools, and upload all required materials.

Prospective students need to monitor their upcoming deadlines and outstanding materials themselves. They must be diligent and proactive in gathering and completing their documents, including taking the necessary time to plan and write their essays.

If a user is struggling with the service, they can speak to their school guidance counselor for assistance. The Common Application solutions center also provides helpful information about the various sections of the application, including a 24/7 support service where applicants can ask additional questions.

Ask the Expert: Acing Your Common App

Johnnie Johnson

Associate Director of Admissions at Transylvania University

Johnnie Johnson, a Chicago native, joined the Transylvania University admissions staff in July 2011 and has held roles including associate director of admissions, director of operations, director of multicultural recruitment, director of admissions, and his current vice president position. Johnson is also the immediate past president of the Kentucky Association of College Admissions Counseling, a board member of the YMCA Black Achiever Program, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He holds a degree in economics, business, and sociology from Cornell College.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes That Students Make on Their Common App Essays?

The most common mistake we see is students not proofreading the final product — checking for grammatical errors, sentence structure, etc. The admissions reader can tell if there was care put into the essay, and finding proofreading mistakes is an indication of quick work.

The essay allows the reader to learn more about the applicant. You might tell a personal story, create a fictional character, or explain something from your academic history; however, if the essay is not correctly put together — structurally, grammatically, accurately — the reader can tell that not much effort has been dedicated to the essay. Have someone read over your essay for the little things you might overlook.

How Should a Student Choose Which Common App Essay Prompt(s) to Write?

Choose a topic that interests you or something you have knowledge about. Whether it's a personal story or a topic of public interest, you as the writer need to be confident in what you're writing.

If you happen to write a fictional essay, be as creative as possible and take the story to places that create vivid images for the reader. Remember, admissions officers are reading hundreds (maybe thousands) of essays. Make yours stand out!

What Are Your Top Three Tips for How Students Can Write Stand-Out Common App Essays?

1. Choose a topic that you are passionate about or can easily speak on.
2. Go through at least two drafts before placing the final draft in your Common Application.
3. Have someone read your essay and make sure they understand what you are trying to convey with the writing. If they come out with a different takeaway, you should adjust the language to make sure it says exactly what you want it to say.

What Can a Student Do to Make Their College Application Process as Smooth as Possible?

• Stay ahead of the deadlines. Every school has a different set of deadlines and requirements, and it's up to the student to manage all of those expectations. Create a calendar or schedule for yourself to make sure you are meeting the deadlines for each institution.
• Find ways to make yourself stand out. What are you doing that no one in your immediate peer group is doing? Why did you choose that particular activity or experience? What did you learn from it?
• Proofread, check it, and check it again. Then have someone else look over it. Don't let grammatical errors or small mistakes distract from the overall application you are presenting.
• Keep in touch with your guidance counselor and college admissions counselors. We are your advocates and want to help you be successful, not only in completing the application but also in securing admission and scholarships. Ask questions, make sure you have the complete answers, and stay present with those individuals.