GUIDE TO THE COMMON APPLICATION

The Common Application, also known as the Common App, makes it easy to apply to multiple colleges using one application. Is your dream school a Common App college? Here’s everything you need to know.

 

ATTENTION JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2025):

  • The essay prompts for the 2024-2025 Common Application are now available and posted in the College & Career Google Classroom. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can be finished.

Filling out the college application: Common application walkthrough

  • Khan Academy has a step-by-step video to walk you through filling out the Common Application.

 

What is the Common Application?

  • The Common Application is a single online college application form used by over 900 colleges and universities from 20 countries. Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once. The Common App dashboard also helps you track necessary application documents (like your letters of recommendation) and important deadlines.

What colleges use the Common App?

  • Common App colleges are a varied list of institutions: private, public, big, small, engineering colleges, and liberal arts schools. Check out the full list of the over 900 colleges or search here Common App schools.
  • Florida Private & Public Colleges that use the Common App

When does the Common App open?

When is the Common App due?

  • Your application deadline depends on whether you are applying early decision (typically November 1) or regular decision (typically January 1).
  • Early decision vs early action - What are the differences?
  • Deadlines also vary by school, so be sure to check dates for every college you are applying to.  They run between November 1 to February 1st.  Be sure to check with the college of your choice.

What are the Common Application essays?

  • You’ll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools.
  • Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions.
  • The 2021-2022 Common App essay prompts .  Start strategizing about which essay to write.

Do you apply for financial aid through the Common App?

  • The financial aid process begins with filling out the FAFSA and is separate from submitting your Common App (and with different deadlines!).

What does the Common App cost?

  • The platform itself is free to use.
  • However, every college charges its own application processing fee (usually $30 to $75 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants). You can apply for a fee waiver if you need one.

How do you apply to Common App colleges?

Follow these steps to apply to college through the Common Application.

  1. Gather the information you KNOW you’ll need
    For the most part, every application will ask for a copy of your high school transcript, a list of your extracurriculars, and information about your parent or guardian's educational background and work history.
     - Copy of your high school transcript
     - List of your activities, work & family responsibilities
     - Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc)
     - Parent/Legal guardian information
     - Academic honors & achievements
  2. Create a Common App account.
    All you need is an e-mail address to get started. You'll be prompted to create a login and password and to answer a few quick questions about who you are (parent, teacher, or counselor) and when you're applying to college.
  3. Confirm which of the schools on your list accept the Common Application.
    Not all schools accept the Common App. Colleges may require that you fill out their own application form or ask you to use another application system like ApplyTexas for Texas colleges. Add schools that interest you to the My Colleges list in your Common App account.
  4. Review the admission information for every school you are considering.
    Keep in mind that Common App schools can have different writing, testing, essay, and letter of recommendation requirements. Make sure you do your research! You’ll use the same Common College application form but admission requirements may differ from school to school.

    For example, one college may require SAT Subject Test scores while another school might be test-optional. Many schools will ask you to write essays in addition to the Common App essay or have additional college-specific questions for you to answer. You’ll be able to submit all of these extras through the Common App dashboard.
  5. Start working on your application & engage supporters
    Your Application Dashboard will show all your colleges and the status of each component of your application. Pick an essay topic, start filling in general information, or ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. There's no college application task too big or small!
    The PDF version is available if you would like to print it out BEFORE filling out your information online.
  6. Track the status of your application(s)
    The icons on your Dashboard are there to guide your way. A green check means your work has been submitted to that particular college, a yellow circle means your application is still in progress, and a red dash means that a particular section is not required for admission to that college. 
  7. Submit!
    Submit all your application materials by 11:59 pm (in your local time zone) on the deadline date posted in your Common App Dashboard.

    Still need help?  Common App has a webpage to guide first-time applicants.

Updated: 05/05/2024