Common Application

The Common Application is a single online college application form used by over 900 colleges and universities from 20 countries. Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once. The Common App dashboard also helps you track necessary application documents (like your letters of recommendation) and important deadlines.

  • Application opens: August 1st of each year

  • Applications due: The application deadline depends on whether you are applying early decision (typically November 1) or regular decision (typically January 1).


Have you been using the Boca High Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc? If so, you will have all of the information you need to complete your applications in one place.

GET mobile

Navigate the entire college application journey with the Common App mobile app. Move seamlessly from the web to your phone or tablet without missing a beat.

  • Work on your application
    Search for colleges, request recommendations, write your essays, and submit your applications. Now it’s all in the palm of your hand.

  • Stay on track
    Keep track of application deadlines and college requirements and see where you are in the process.

  • Get informed
    Get helpful information about approaching deadlines and any remaining tasks you have to complete to submit your applications.


Tip #1:

  • If you are applying to only ONE Common App member college, check if the school has its own application as this would be less time-consuming.


  • DO NOT send both applications or you may delay your application process.

HOW TO APPLY TO COLLEGES USING THE COMMON APP

  • Gather the information you KNOW you will need
    - If you h    ave you been using the Boca High Academic Organizer to keep track of your classes, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, etc, you can pull it up and have all of your information

- Copy of your high school transcript
- List of your activities, work & family responsibilities
- Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc)
- Parent/Legal guardian information
- Academic honors & achievements

  • Create a Common App account
    All you need is an e-mail address to get started. You'll be prompted to create a login and password and to answer a few quick questions about who you are (parent, teacher, or counselor) and when you're applying to college.

  • Confirm which of the schools on your list accept the Common Application
    Not all schools accept the Common App. Colleges may require that you fill out their own application form or ask you to use another application system like     ApplyTexas for Texas colleges. Add schools that interest you to the My Colleges list in your Common App account.

  • Review the admission information for every school you are considering
    Keep in mind that Common App schools can have different writing, testing, essay, and letter of recommendation requirements. Make sure you do your research! You’ll use the same Common College application form but admission requirements may differ from school to school. Many schools will ask you to write essays in addition to the Common App essay or have additional college-specific questions for you to answer. You’ll be able to submit all of these extras through the Common App dashboard.

  • Start working on your application & engage supporters
    Your     Application Dashboard will show all your colleges and the status of each component of your application. Pick an essay topic, start filling in general information, or ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation. There's no college application task too big or small!

  • Track the status of your application(s)
    The icons on your Dashboard are there to guide your way. A green check means your work has been submitted to that particular college, a yellow circle means your application is still in progress, and a red dash means that a particular section is not required for admission to that college.

  • Submit!
    Submit all your application materials by 11:59 pm (in your local time zone) on the deadline date posted in your Common App Dashboard.


Download a Common App guide here.

DOES THE COMMON APP COST?

The platform itself is free to use. However, every college charges its own application processing fee (usually $30 to $75 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants). You can apply for a fee waiver if you need one.

what colleges use the COMMON APP?

Common App colleges are a varied list of institutions: private, public, big, small, engineering colleges, and liberal arts schools. Check out the full list of the over 900 colleges or search here Common App schools.


The below is a list of Florida public and private schools that use the Common App.

COMMON APP ESSAY

  • You’ll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools.

  • Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions or additional essays.

  • Check out the Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing about which essay to write.

  • Need essay help?

    • Review the information on the Essay page of this website.

    • Make sure to make an appointment with Ms. Garofalo for help and to review your essay. Make sure to join her Google Classroom: x4pdicv