{"id":4180,"date":"2024-02-12T02:10:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T20:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/?p=4180"},"modified":"2024-02-12T02:10:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-11T20:40:26","slug":"common-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app","title":{"rendered":"Common App: Usage, Application Opening, Essays &amp; Completion Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The college application process can be a marathon for students and their parents, filled with research, paperwork, standardized tests (SAT\/ACT), college tours, and a demanding senior-year workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The Common Application, accepted by over 1,000 schools, including some international institutions, offers a streamlined solution for a crucial part of the application process. However, especially for families unfamiliar with the intricacies of college admissions, the Common App can be confusing. The following guide aims to ease the journey for students and parents by simplifying the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#What_is_the_Common_Application\" title=\"What is the Common Application?\">What is the Common Application?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#What_Colleges_Use_the_Common_App\" title=\"What Colleges Use the Common App?\">What Colleges Use the Common App?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#When_Does_the_Common_App_Open\" title=\"When Does the Common App Open?\">When Does the Common App Open?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#How_to_Complete_the_Common_Application\" title=\"How to Complete the Common Application?\">How to Complete the Common Application?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#What_Are_the_Common_Application_Essays\" title=\"What Are the Common Application Essays?\">What Are the Common Application Essays?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#How_Does_the_Common_App_Work_for_Transfer_Students\" title=\"How Does the Common App Work for Transfer Students?\">How Does the Common App Work for Transfer Students?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#What_Does_the_Common_App_Cost\" title=\"What Does the Common App Cost?\">What Does the Common App Cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#From_the_Desk_of_ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳\" title=\"From the Desk of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳\">From the Desk of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Common_Application\"><\/span><strong>What is the Common Application?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The Common App allows first-time and transfer students to apply to multiple colleges simultaneously by streamlining the college application process. This eliminates the need for repetitive data entry, requiring students to fill out details like name, address, and extracurricular activities only once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Plus, the Common App dashboard keeps you organized, tracking deadlines and reminding you about necessary documents like letters of recommendation and SOPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">\u201cThe idea behind the Common App is to try and reduce the barriers that students face when applying to college,\u201d says Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of Common App, the nonprofit that manages the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\" wp-block-image size-large eplus-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/profile-consultation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Web-10-1536x360-18-1024x240.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4207\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Colleges_Use_the_Common_App\"><\/span><strong>What Colleges Use the Common App?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The Common App is a centralized platform used by over 1000 colleges and universities across the US and around the world. This diverse group of institutions includes private and public colleges, large and small universities, engineering-focused schools, and liberal arts colleges, offering a wide range of academic programs, campus environments, and extracurricular activities to suit the needs and interests of every student. With 1082 colleges and universities participating, discover the diverse range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonapp.org\/explore\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Common App colleges<\/a> that could be your perfect fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> The Common App isn\u2019t universally accepted. While a large majority of US colleges use it, some prestigious institutions have opted out, requiring separate applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Read Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/ivy-league-schools\">Ivy League Schools: Admission Requirements, Eligibility &amp; Fees<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Does_the_Common_App_Open\"><\/span><strong>When Does the Common App Open?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The new Common App application cycle opens on August 1st each year. While individual college deadlines vary, be sure to pay close attention to when your chosen schools require application materials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Early applicants take note: Deadlines for early action or early decision programs may fall in November or December, while regular decision deadlines typically land around January 1st. Keep in mind that these are general ranges. It\u2019s always wise to confirm exact deadlines with each college you\u2019re applying to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Here\u2019s some good news. You don\u2019t have to wait for August 1st to get started! You can create a Common App account anytime and simply transfer your information to the new application cycle when it opens. College admissions experts strongly recommend completing application tasks early, even during the summer before your senior year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">\u201cYou may have questions or need help that may not be possible at the last minute. Don\u2019t wait until the deadline day to complete your application,\u201d says Keri Risic, executive director of admissions at the University of Minnesota\u2014Twin Cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Read Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/best-college-majors\">10 Best College Majors You Should Consider in 2024<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Complete_the_Common_Application\"><\/span><strong>How to Complete the Common Application?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Follow these steps to seamlessly create your profile, connect with recommenders, and submit applications to your dream schools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Start your application: Visit commonapp.org and click \u201cStart your application.\u201d Here, you\u2019ll find instructions on creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, download the Common App mobile app to manage deadlines, request recommendations, and set reminders on the go.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Choose your path: Select \u201cFirst-Year Student\u201d or \u201cTransfer Student,\u201d depending on your application type.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Provide basic info: Enter your name, email, phone number, address, date of birth, and prospective enrollment year.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Complete your profile: Fill out the requested details about your education, extracurricular activities, demographics, household information, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Gather recommendations: Add collaborators like teachers, counselors, and others who will provide letters of recommendation or supporting documents.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Explore your options: Search for and add colleges to your \u201cMy Colleges\u201d list.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Apply with confidence: Familiarize yourself with each college\u2019s specific application requirements and follow them carefully during the submission process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Check your application status: Use the icons on your dashboard to easily track the progress of your applications. A green checkmark indicates a completed submission, a yellow circle shows applications in progress, and a red dash means a section is not required for that college.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\" class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Don\u2019t forget to submit! Meet the deadline by submitting all your application materials by 11:59 PM (local time) on the date listed in your Common App dashboard.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Common_Application_Essays\"><\/span><strong>What Are the Common Application Essays?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Streamline your application process by writing just one essay for most colleges through the Common App. While some schools might ask additional questions, you can start strategizing now! The seven <a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/common-app-essay-prompts\">essay prompts<\/a> (unchanged from last year) offer various options, like \u201creflecting on challenging a belief\u201d or \u201cdiscussing a personal growth experience.\u201d Each essay has a 650-word limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">An optional question about the pandemic\u2019s impact remains, with a 250-word limit. About 14% of applicants answered it last year. Remember that not all schools require essays, and some have additional requirements. Check each school\u2019s details on the Common App platform or download a PDF for offline reference. Preview the <a href=\"https:\/\/appsupport.commonapp.org\/applicantsupport\/s\/topic\/0TO0V000001QRLgWAO\/writing-supplement\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">supplemental questions<\/a> there too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Common_App_Work_for_Transfer_Students\"><\/span><strong>How Does the Common App Work for Transfer Students?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Though over 600 schools use the Common App for transfers, the process varies slightly from first-time applications. While the core transfer portion remains similar, additional information like enrollment dates, completed coursework, GPA, and transcripts from attended colleges is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Additionally, Common App essays are mandatory for transfers and now use the same prompts as first-time applicants, updated last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_the_Common_App_Cost\"><\/span><strong>What Does the Common App Cost?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Using the Common App to apply to college is free, but individual colleges charge their application fees, typically ranging from $30 to $75 for US applicants and more for international students. However, nearly half of member schools waive fees for first-year students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">If you qualify for a fee waiver based on National Association for College Admission Counseling standards, you can indicate your eligibility on the Common App, and it will automatically apply to all your applications. \u201cA student only needs to indicate that they have financial hardship once in the application, and that fee waiver can be applied to any school they apply to,\u201d Jenny Rickard says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Read Also: <a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/blog\/best-college-admissions-consultants\">10 Best College Admissions Consultants in the USA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_the_Desk_of_ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳\"><\/span><strong>From the Desk of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Undoubtedly, the Common App\u2019s biggest advantage is its convenience. Filling out one application for multiple colleges saves an immense amount of time and effort compared to individual applications. Entering basic information, academic details, and activities once simplifies the process, especially for students applying to numerous institutions. The platform also promotes organization and clarity. Colleges receive everything in a standardized format, allowing for easier comparison and evaluation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">For applicants, keeping track of deadlines, requirements, and submitted materials becomes more manageable within a single system. The Common App\u2019s vast network of member colleges expands possibilities. Students can explore diverse institutions across the country, potentially discovering options they might have missed otherwise. This broad reach opens doors to a wider range of academic environments and opportunities. Additionally, platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/\">ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳<\/a> can help students to gain even more comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their college choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons eplus-wrapper is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\" wp-block-button eplus-wrapper\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/profile-consultation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Ask Our Experts<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\" wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity eplus-wrapper\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>What is the Common Application?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">The Common Application is a platform that allows you to apply to over 1,000 colleges in the US and abroad with one application. It streamlines the process by having you fill out common sections and tailor them to each college\u2019s specific requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Should I apply directly to my college or through the Common App?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">You should check if your college accepts the Common App. If yes, it\u2019s generally more efficient to use it. However, some colleges may have additional requirements for direct applications or prefer one system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\"><strong>How do I apply to colleges with the Common App?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Create an account on the Common App website and follow the application prompts. You\u2019ll need to enter personal information, academic details, activities, essays, and recommendations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The college application process can be a marathon for students and their parents, filled with research, paperwork, standardized tests (SAT\/ACT), college tours, and a demanding senior-year workload. The Common Application, accepted by over 1,000 schools, including some international institutions, offers a streamlined solution for a crucial part of the application process. However, especially for families [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yocket.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}