The Common Application is an easy way for students to apply to multiple colleges using one application. Please keep in mind that not all schools utilize the Common App. Please view the Common App website for a complete listing of colleges and universities that accept the Common App. Using the Common App does not eliminate the application fee that is associated with each individual school. For schools that require recommendation letters, the recommenders can upload their letter directly to the Common App.
Check out lots of helpful tips at http://www.commonapp.org/ready
Completing the Application
You should NOT make your essay college specific since your application will go to all of your schools.
Help with the Application : Applicants needing assistance should reach out to Common App through their Help Center. There is a Comprehensive Resource Section. By clicking "Ask a Question," you can also contact a member of the CA support team.
Check out the mobile app for Common App
FERPA Waiver
A completed FERPA waiver is required in the Common Application before your transcript can be sent and before your application can be submitted.
Why you should consider waiving your right, according to the Common Application website: Waiving your right let's colleges know that you will never try to read your recommendations. This reassures colleges that your recommenders have provided a recommendation that is candid and truthful. While you are free to respond as you wish, if you choose not to waive your right, some recommenders may decline your request, and some colleges may disregard letters submitted on your behalf. Even if you do NOT waive your right to access your letter, you still won't be able to view any recommendations until after you have been admitted to and enrolled in a school. In other words, FERPA does not give you the right to review recommendations before they are sent to your colleges. Click for more information on FERPA.
PDF Common Application Intro 2023-24.pdfHow to Add Counselor/Teacher Recommenders and Complete the FERPA Waiver:
To access the FERPA waiver and recommenders page, you must add at least one school to the “My Colleges” list on Common App.
Click on the “My Colleges” tab, then “Recommenders and FERPA” underneath the school name. Click on “Complete Release Authorization” in the center of the screen.
Read the Instructions in the Release Authorization.
Scroll to the bottom and check the box for “I have read and understood the FERPA Release Authorization explanation above.
Check the box to acknowledge the FERPA form. Click Save and Close.
Click either “I waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents” or “I DO NOT waive my right to review all recommendations and supporting documents.”
If you DO NOT waive your FERPA right, teachers cannot submit letters of recommendation on your behalf
Check the box “I understand that my waiver or no waiver selection above pertains to all colleges to which I apply…”
Enter your signature and date. Click “Save and close.”
Please note that selections on this page CANNOT be changed once you sign & click Save