The Common Application (Common App) is a single college application accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities. Students complete one main application with personal information, activities, and essays, then submit it to multiple schools, adding school-specific supplements as required.
Components
The Common App includes personal information, family details, educational history, activities list (up to 10 activities), honors, and a personal essay (250-650 words). Many schools also require supplemental essays specific to their institution.
Benefits
The Common App reduces redundant work when applying to multiple schools, provides a central platform for applications, and offers fee waivers for eligible students. It opens August 1 each year.