Applying for college takes a lot of work. Add in applying for multiple colleges, and you’ll begin to feel like you’ve done this before.
You’re not alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by repetitive data entry just to see if you’re accepted to your top college choices. Most high school students are juggling a lot in their senior year of school.
There is a solution to help you make applying for multiple colleges easier: The Common Application.
What is the Common App?
Introduced 46 years ago, the Common App simplifies the college application process. Through the free-use platform, first-time and transfer students can apply to multiple colleges. According to the Common App website, more than 900 colleges and universities are accepting the standardized college application. U.S. News highlights “...46.5% of [Common App] member schools don't charge application fees for first-year students...” Some member institutions offer application fee waivers too.Which colleges accept the common app?
Both private and public colleges in all U.S. states participate in the Common App college admissions process. After you’ve narrowed down your list of colleges you’d like to attend, check to see if they’re accepting the Common App.What is on the common app?
The Common Application looks like most college applications systems, with all the usual fields for name, address, school and test data, as well as questions about your work experience and volunteer activities.- General Application Information You’re encouraged to gather important information after you create an account and before you apply for the Common App. This information includes: • High School Transcripts • List of Activities, Work and Family Responsibilities • ACT/SAT Test Scores and Dates • Parent or Legal Guardian Information • Academic Honors and Achievements
- Letters of Recommendation After you’ve created your Common App account, you’ll have the opportunity to invite your teachers, counselors, and mentors, to submit letters of recommendation within your Common App account. Most colleges will require letters of recommendation. The Common App makes it easy to invite recommenders to submit entries.
- The Writing Section Many colleges require some type of essay, whether that’s a personal statement or a prompted essay specific to a university. • The first portion of the Common App’s writing section is the Personal Essay. Some colleges make this a requirement for you to complete. If it’s not required by a college on your list, you can still complete it. In fact, we encourage you to complete this portion of the Writing Section to keep your application unique. The personal essay portion of your Common App writing portion will provide you with seven essay prompts to choose from. You’re expected to submit 250-600 words inspired by the prompt you chose. • The second portion of the Writing Section includes supplemental questions regarding your disciplinary history and the impact of COVID-19 on you personally and academically. You may be asked to explain your disciplinary history depending on how you answer this question. New this year, the Common App has included an optional, COVID-19 question. In 250 words, you can explain how the pandemic may have affected your school life and plans with the college you're applying for.
- Supplements, Additional College Requirements