# Common Application — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/common-application

**In short:** A single college application accepted by over 1,000 schools, allowing students to apply to multiple colleges efficiently.
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.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What is the Common Application?**

The Common App is a single application accepted by over 1,000 colleges, allowing students to apply to multiple schools with one main application.
**Q: Is the Common App free?**

Creating an account is free. Most colleges charge application fees ($50-90 typically), though fee waivers are available for eligible students.

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Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). Please attribute and link to https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/common-application when citing this definition.