Applying for College

The Common Application

Over 800 colleges in the U.S. use the Common Application, which allows students to complete one application and submit it to multiple colleges. Use this tool to find out if your college(s) are part of the Common App.

College Essay Guy has a workbook to help you brainstorm your Common App personal statement (essay) and other information you'll need for your application.

If you are applying to a college that is not a Common App school, visit their admissions website for information about their application process.

Application Deadlines

The most common application deadline is January 1, January 15, or somewhere in between. Many colleges also have Early Action and/or Early Decision deadlines, typically November 1 or 15 (see below for information about these options).

Check with each of your colleges to confirm their deadlines, and make sure you submit all of your application materials (required forms, personal essay, transcript, recommendations, and activities list) by that date.

Early Action vs. Early Decision

Applying Early Action allows you to hear whether you've been accepted, denied, or deferred (meaning they'll consider your application again during their regular deadline round) by the college, usually in December. You are not obligated to accept an admissions offer and you will still have until the national response day (May 1) to decide which school you are attending.

If you apply Early Decision, you will sign a contract that, if accepted into the school, you commit to enrolling in that school and you must withdraw any applications made to other schools. One potential drawback of Early Decision is that you will not be able to compare financial aid packages.

For more tips to help you decide whether to apply Early Action or Early Decision, click here.

Application Fee Waivers

If application fees are an obstacle for you, there are several options available. If you are using the Common App, visit this page for information about requesting a fee waiver based on financial hardship. For colleges not on the Common App, use this search tool to locate schools that accept application fee waivers and how to obtain them. If you don't find a school listed, contact an admissions counselor to ask about your options. Many colleges will waive application fees for students who participate in a prospective student event or apply Early Action.