The Common App: Everything You Need to Know
The Common App makes it easy to apply to multiple colleges and universities.
Applying to college can be a tedious and stressful process for students and their parents. In addition to finishing their last year of high school, students may also be juggling the SAT or ACT, college tours, extracurriculars, outside work, and applications for numerous schools.
The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 900 schools, including some colleges located outside the U.S., helps streamline an essential part of the admissions process for students.
Through the platform, first-time applicants can apply to multiple colleges at once. So students only have to fill out details that most schools require, including name, address, and extracurricular activities, one time.
"The idea behind the Common App is to try and reduce the barriers that students face when applying to college," says Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of The Common Application.
Despite its popularity, the Common App may be confusing for some families who are new to the college application process. The guide below can help ease students and parents through the application.
Each year, more than 1 million students apply to more than 900 Common App member colleges worldwide through our Common App's college application platform. Learn more about applying by clicking the link/button above.
The college application process can seem intimidating, especially if students don't have parents or siblings who have already been through it and can offer advice. Since there are so many steps, experts say a good way for students to get started is to create a to-do list during their junior year of high school.
Students generally begin filling out college applications the summer between their junior and senior year of high school, experts say. Click the link/button above to learn more.
While an academic passion, some initiative, and a proven interest in a school are key to getting a foot in the door, these attributes are only part of what colleges look for in ever more competitive applicant pools.
Applying to college can be a stressful process, but being aware of what mistakes to avoid can help ease the burden for students.
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