The Common App is an online college application platform used by students to apply to multiple colleges and universities in the U.S. and internationally. Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, students can submit one application to multiple institutions at once. This streamlines the process, making it easier to apply to several colleges at the same time.
Key components of the Common App include:
Personal Information: Basic details like name, contact info, and citizenship status.
Academic History: Information on schools attended, courses, and grades.
Extracurricular Activities: A section to list activities, work experiences, and leadership roles.
Personal Essay: A general essay that goes to all schools the student applies to.
Supplemental Questions: Some colleges may require additional essays or specific questions.
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants can request letters from teachers and counselors through the platform.
Transcripts: Schools can upload transcripts directly to the platform.
Colleges also use the Common App to manage their application process, and students can monitor deadlines, application statuses, and requirements all in one place.