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Introduction to the Common App
1. What is the Common App?
The Common App, short for Common Application, is a free online platform used to apply to colleges and universities in the United States. Instead of completing several separate applications for each school, students can use the centralized system of the Common Application to apply to multiple institutions.
A Common App application includes two main parts: (1) a general section and (2) school-specific questions. Students can create one profile and use it to apply to multiple colleges, saving time and effort. This is particularly helpful for international applicants, who often face additional requirements, such as financial documentation or English language proficiency test scores.
Additionally, the Common App provides resources to help students understand the admissions process, plan their timeline, stay organized, and explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities. As shown on the landing website, the Common App offers a dashboard where applicants can track requirements and deadlines for each school, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
Because of these advantages, the Common App is now the most widely used system in the U.S. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, over 1,100 U.S. colleges and universities accepted applications through the platform.
2. When Should You Start Applying Through the Common App?
The Common App opens every year on August 1. From that date onwards, students can create an account, fill in their information, and begin preparing their applications.
Deadlines vary depending on the type of application. Earlier application types, such as Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA), are typically due in November. The more common Regular Decision (RD) application is typically due in January. You should always verify each school’s exact application deadline on its official website.
That said, experts recommend setting aside at least two months to complete the Common App. This preparation period should include entering personal information, gathering necessary documents, and writing both the personal statement and any supplemental essays.
It is imperative students never wait until the last minute to apply. Technical issues or system errors may prevent a successful submission if you apply right at the deadline. Therefore, it is recommended that students finalize and submit their application requirements a few days in advance. For the most up-to-date and official information, please consult each school’s admissions page, as deadlines may vary. You can refer to this U.S. News article for more tips and guidance on the Common App
3. What Is the Common App Essay?
One of the most important components of the Common App is the personal essay, often referred to as the Common App Essay. You only need to write one main essay, which will be sent to all the schools you apply to, hence the name “Common Application.”
Each year, the Common App provides several essay prompts for students to choose from. You can find resources and writing guidance from Aralia to help brainstorm, plan, and refine your essay. In addition to the main essay, some schools also require supplemental essays, which use school-specific prompts.
4 Steps to Write Common Application Essays
4. Can You Apply for Financial Aid or Scholarships on the Common App?
The Common App provides a detailed guide on how to apply for financial aid, but you usually cannot apply directly through the platform. Most schools require students to follow their own financial aid application process, often through the FAFSA, CSS Profile, or other school-specific forms.
5. Does the Common App Charge a Fee?
The Common App itself is free to use. However, most colleges require an application fee, which typically ranges from $30 to $100. Many schools offer fee waivers for eligible students, including international applicants.
Why Use the Common App for U.S. College Applications?
The Common App is the most widely used college application system in the United States, endorsed by many universities. Here are the main benefits when you apply to universities through the Common App:
Simplify the Application Process
With its many integrated features, the Common App significantly helps you save time when applying to universities. You only need to fill out your general information once and write a single main essay instead of repeating the same process for every school. Using the Common App makes the college application journey less stressful for students.
Efficient Application Management
Since you no longer have to complete separate applications for every university, the Common App allows you to manage your materials more easily. School-specific questions and requirements are separated from the general application, making it simpler for students to prepare and keep track of all their applications.
You can also check and track application deadlines directly in the Common App system. This feature helps ensure that students don’t miss important dates and submit their applications on time.
An Opportunity to Craft a Strong Essay
Instead of writing multiple essays for different universities, the Common App lets you submit one main essay for all schools. This saves time and allows students to focus on crafting a strong, well-developed essay that showcases their individuality.
Streamlined Recommendation Submission
Recommendation letters are a crucial part of U.S. college applications. Through the Common App, you can invite teachers or counselors to upload their recommendation letters directly to the system. This makes it easy to track the status of your application and ensure all required documents are submitted.
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Do You Have to Use the Common App for All Schools?
You are not required to use the Common App. It is, however, the most widely used college application platform in the U.S., with many universities currently adopting it.
In addition to the Common App, there are other platforms such as the Coalition Application and the Common Black College Application, which are accepted by certain schools.
Many U.S. universities allow you to apply directly through their websites or through state-specific systems (for example, public universities in Texas or California have their own application systems). Some schools, such as MIT and Georgetown, only accept applications submitted through their own institutional portals. You should carefully review each school’s application requirements and policies to choose the most suitable platform.
The Common App also provides a search tool to check whether the universities you’re interested in are using the Common App.
Depending on the schools they wish to apply to, students can use more than one application platform when applying to universities.
Steps to Submit Your Application Through the Common App
Below is a brief guide for applying to universities through the Common App system. Aralia also has a more detailed article with step-by-step instructions on how to apply to U.S. colleges using this platform, which you can view here.
Step 1: Create a Common App account
You only need an email address to start creating an application account on the Common App. Visit the Common App website and select “first year student” (if you are applying as a freshman) or “transfer student” (if you are applying as a transfer student) to create an account.
Step 2: Confirm that the schools of your choice accept the Common App
Based on the list of universities you plan to apply to, check which ones accept applications through the Common App. Add these schools to your My Colleges list in your Common App account so you can begin the application process.
Step 3: Review each school’s admission requirements
The Common App provides specific information about the admission requirements of each school. Carefully review this section to understand the documents and additional materials you need to prepare for each application.
Step 4: Gather the necessary information
Once you know what materials are required, prepare all documents in advance before filling out your application. This will save time and prevent delays when entering information or uploading files to the system.
Step 5: Start filling out your application
Go to the Application Dashboard on the Common App. Select the section you want to start with and follow the system’s instructions to fill out information or upload supporting documents.
Step 6: Submit your application
Make sure you submit all parts of your application by or before 11:59 PM (local time of the school you’re applying to) on the deadline date shown in the Common App. Each school’s application status is shown with a color icon:
- Green: Submitted
- Yellow: In progress
Notes for International Students When Applying Through the Common App
Check application fee waiver policies for international students
More than 500 universities that use the Common App offer application fee waivers to international students. You should review each school’s specific policy for international applicants on their official website or email the admissions office to ensure you don’t miss out on a fee waiver opportunity.
Submit your high school transcript
In high schools, student transcripts are typically submitted by an academic counselor. However, not all high schools around the globe have counselors responsible for this task. If your school does not have an academic counselor, you can ask another school official or teacher with access to student records to submit your transcript to the universities you are applying to.
Seek support from the Common App
The Common App support center operates 24/7 and provides assistance to applicants worldwide. Visit the Applicant Solutions Center to browse frequently asked questions or contact a member of the support team if you need help.
We hope this article from Aralia has helped you better understand the Common App system, an essential tool in the college application process. The Common App will officially open for applications soon. To prepare for this year’s admissions cycle, you can create an account now and start preparing key components of your application, such as your essay and transcripts.
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