What Is the Common App?

Every year, more than one million US learners use the Common Application, or Common App, taking advantage of its ability to streamline the college application process [1]. This convenient online platform allows you to apply to any of the 1,100 schools that accept the Common App using one application. 

If you’re a learner exploring their higher education options and applying to multiple schools, the Common App can be a valuable, time-saving resource. Discover how the Common App works and what information you’ll need to collect before submitting your college applications. 

What is the Common App used for?

You can use the Common App to apply to more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the US and 18 other countries [1]. Both public and private colleges and universities accept this universal application, allowing you to apply to a range of schools that suit your specific academic interests. 

Using the Common App eliminates the often tedious process of entering the same information—your name, contact information, educational background, and extracurricular activities—on every college application you submit. Instead, you can enter this information just once, and the Common App will compile these key details for every school on your list.

Common App purpose

The Common App strives to streamline the college application process, enhancing access for learners from all backgrounds. Its convenience and accessibility improve equity and connect students to potential financial aid opportunities they might have otherwise overlooked. Ultimately, the Common App aims to give all students access to higher education opportunities by reducing the barriers to entry.

History of the Common App

Guided by a nonprofit board, the Common App dates back to 1975, when 15 colleges and universities collaborated to develop a universal admissions application. Just five years later, the Common App surged to 100 members. As technology advanced, the paper application transformed into an online platform in 1998, giving even more students access to this admissions option. In 2022, the Common App reached 1,000 member institutions, and 1.5 million students used the application in 2024, demonstrating its significant growth in recent years [2].

Who uses the Common App?

First-time college applicants and transfer learners can use this app as part of their college application journey. To use it, begin by choosing the appropriate application according to your current status. High school juniors and seniors planning to earn a bachelor’s degree should select the first-year student application. However, if you’ve already earned college credits beyond high school should choose the transfer application. 

While both versions of the Common App collect general demographic information, these applications do vary based on your academic background. The first-year student application focuses primarily on your high school academic history, including transcripts, test scores, awards and honors, and extracurricular activities. 

For transfer students, the transfer Common App collects additional documentation to showcase your existing college coursework. Depending on your background, you may also submit a DD214, a document that verifies military service, a Joint Services Transcript, which documents any military education or training, or a financial transcript. These additional documents can help connect you with a college or university that offers the right opportunities based on your professional experience, academic history, and career goals. 

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Benefits of the Common App

Because the Common App streamlines the college application process, it offers a number of benefits. First, you can save time when applying to colleges by eliminating the need to complete and submit a different application for every school on your list. Additionally, the Common App interface serves as your college application dashboard, allowing you to track deadlines for your desired schools. The Common App website also includes a searchable database of its member institutions, allowing you to explore your options, identify school requirements and deadlines, and research financial aid opportunities.

The Common App offers benefits for the institutions that use it, too. It allows colleges and universities from across the country and around the world to connect with students who may not be geographically close or familiar with their programs. 

How to use the Common App

Understanding how to use the app and having a grasp of the documentation you’ll need to submit along with your applications ensures a smooth process from start to finish. Follow these tips to develop, refine, and submit your application.

1. Collect required materials.

Gather the materials you need to complete your application. The Common App requires your high school transcripts, with some schools requesting that you self-report your grades and high school coursework. You may also need to report your standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT scores, depending on school requirements. Other information to have on hand includes a list of your extracurricular activities, work experience, and any awards or honors you’ve earned during high school. You may also need to provide demographic information about your parents, including their employment status, occupation, and educational background.

2. Create your free account.

Creating your Common App account and building your application is free, but you do need to register for an account. On the account creation page, you’ll select whether you’re a first-year or transfer student and then create your Common App login. Then, you’ll provide basic demographic information, including an email address, so you can stay up to date on your application status. 

3. Explore and add colleges to your list.

Visit the College Search tab on the Common App website to check out the schools that accept the application. When you identify a school you plan to apply to, simply click the “Add to My Colleges” button to add the school to your college list. The Common App limits you to choosing and applying to 20 schools, so take some time to explore key details about each school, including its program offerings and application deadlines, to ensure it’s a good fit.

4. Identify college-specific requirements.

While the Common App is standard, school requirements vary, so it’s important to know what supplemental information you’ll need to provide to each school. Schools may require personal statements or essays, portfolios, test scores, letters of recommendation, and more. Understanding these requirements ensures that you’re submitting a complete and accurate application package to each school. 

Additionally, even though the Common App is free, every school sets its own application fees. That’s why it’s vital to investigate those fees or apply for a fee waiver if you’re eligible. 

5. Invite teachers to submit recommendations.

Letters of recommendation can give college admissions officers insight into who you are as a learner and person and what you can contribute to their campus community. If you’re applying to a school that requires letters of recommendation, finding teachers, mentors, guidance counselors, or coaches willing to speak to your strengths, work ethic, and character is key. 

You can request a letter of recommendation through the Common App, which allows your teacher or counselor to submit their letter and attach it to your application for each college. Select the “Invite Recommenders” button to get started.

6. Write and submit your essays.

College essays are another element of your college application that may vary from school to school. Some colleges and universities use the Common App essay prompts, which include a selection of prompts that allow you to reflect on your experiences, accomplishments, current events, and more. Other schools set their own essay questions, and you can search for specific writing requirements on the College App website. Once you’ve identified the requirements and written and refined your essays, you can attach them to your application.

7. Submit your application. 

Once all sections of your application are complete, you’ll have the chance to review your application, pay any school-specific application fees, and submit the application. You’ll complete this step for each school you apply to. 

Enhance your Common App profile on Coursera

Simplify the college admissions process by completing the Common App, a free and efficient option for applying to multiple schools. Before applying, you can explore different courses on Coursera Plus and include their certificates in your application upon completing them. 

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Frequently asked questions about the Common App