What Is the Common Application? A Complete Guide

Updated on June 3, 2025

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The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once. Learn more about how to use the Common App and which universities accept it.

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The Common App allows you to apply to multiple schools at once.
About 1,100 colleges and universities around the world accept the Common App.
Applications typically open on August 1 and close on January 1.
Some schools still maintain proprietary applications or use other application systems.

The Common Application is an online tool that simplifies college applications by allowing you to apply to more than 1,000 schools worldwide.

The Common App can significantly reduce the time it takes to apply to colleges since you only have to upload your application materials once. Filling out the Common App can be a lengthy process, and a college counselor can help you hone your application and stand out with what matters: academics, extracurriculars, and communication skills.

Read on to learn more about the Common App, how it works, and when it’s due.

How Does the Common App Work?

The Common App lets you apply to multiple colleges at once. Required application materials include official transcripts, a list of extracurricular activities, SAT or ACT scores, contact information, academic honors, and a personal essay.

While the Common App is a free service, some schools require separate application fees. This isn’t always the case, though — over 500 colleges do not charge any application fees. Be sure to check whether there are any fees for each institution you’re applying to.

Once completed, view each of your prospective college’s school-specific supplemental requirements, such as additional essays or letters of recommendation. Although you can use your personal statement for multiple schools, some colleges alter their prompts slightly or tailor them to school-specific resources and opportunities, so be prepared to spend time writing these individually. A college counselor can help you adapt your applications to each schools’ requirements so you stand out.

Today, the Common App is the most widely used college application system in the U.S., but many universities offer multiple avenues for application submission. For example, several private and Ivy League schools use the Coalition Application or Universal College Application instead of the Common App.

While these two systems maintain some popularity, the wide variety of essay prompts provided by the Common App and the vast number of schools that accept it make the Common App the preferable option for most first-year applicants.

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What Does the Common App Look Like?

The Common App has a new, simplified look as of August 2025, but the way students submit an application will remain the same.

Below are the five Common App sections and an overview of how they work:

Dashboard: The first tab you’ll see after creating an account, Dashboard, includes each of your prospective college’s application progress and required tasks.
My Common Application: This is where you’ll fill out the majority of your application information, such as your family history, official transcripts, and test scores.
My Colleges: Similar to Dashboard, My Colleges maintains a running list of your added colleges, as well as deadlines, application fees, and contact information for each school.
College Search: As the name suggests, this tab allows you to search for and add any colleges that use the Common App. Click on the blue plus sign to add a school to your list.
Financial Aid: This final section teaches students how financial aid works, how to apply for it, and how to explore scholarship opportunities. You can also review financial aid offers here.

When Is the Common App Due?

You can submit your application through the Common App starting on August 1 each year. To get a head start on the application process, create an account and complete all general components ahead of time.

College application deadlines vary depending on multiple factors. If you’re applying early action or early decision, most schools will require you to submit your application around November 1. Regular decision applications are generally due by January 1. These are the most common dates for each application window, but deadlines also vary by school, so be sure to check each of your prospective colleges.

Regardless of your desired application window, you should have all of your application materials prepared ahead of time. While the Common App stays open until 11:59 P.M. (in your local time zone), submitting your application earlier can help you avoid technical issues or system delays, as many students try to submit their applications at the last minute.

What Schools Accept the Common App?

As the leader in college application systems, the Common App includes over 1,100 colleges and universities. Though the majority of these schools are larger, public universities, several international institutions and all Ivy League universities accept the Common App as well.

It’s worth noting that many Common App schools also accept the Coalition App and/or offer their own proprietary system. You’re not required to use the Common App should you prefer another application system.

Below are some prominent U.S. colleges and universities that accept the Common App:

Arizona State University
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Northwestern University
The Ohio State University
Princeton University
Stanford University
University of Chicago
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
Vanderbilt University
Yale University

Even though more universities join this list each year, many top schools use separate application systems, including the entire University of California system.

4 Essential Tips for Using the Common App

Before applying to college with the Common App, read these critical tips to help keep you on track.

1 | Start Early

Although the Common App opens on August 1, start collecting materials and filling out information beforehand. Application components such as letters of recommendation and official transcripts can take considerable time to obtain, so collect these early on.

2 | Familiarize Yourself With the Common App System

Some application components can be confusing, and you might need help to fully understand them. The financial aid section, for example, typically requires parental information, such as income levels and tax statements. A college counselor can help clear up any Common App confusion.

3 | Prepare Your Personal Statement Ahead of Time

The Common App lets you view possible essay prompts well before the application opens, giving you ample time to brainstorm, organize, and even draft your personal statement.

4 | Be Aware of Application Deadlines

Set aside ample time to submit your application, as waiting until the last possible day to gather your materials can make an already stressful process even more challenging. A calendar or planner can help you keep track of upcoming due dates for all your schools.