The Common App is the universal application system used by most colleges and universities.


Interesting Facts About the Common App

  • Almost 900 colleges and universities use Common App

  • 204 public colleges and universities use Common App

  • 62 international universities in 18 countries use Common App

  • 12 HBCUs use Common App

  • More than 325 schools that DO NOT require an application fee use the Common App

  • Nearly 250 test optional/flexible schools use Common App


How to Apply

  1. Begin documenting your activities and dates of participation on the Common App Activities Resume.

  2. Complete the Common App Information Form.

  3. Apply using the Common App- Click here!

(Applications do not become available until August 1st of a student's senior year)

Common App Activities Res Template.pdf

Common App Activities Resume

Begin keeping track of and documenting activities on this form. The activities will have to be entered onto your Common App.

Common App Information Form.pdf

Common App Information Form

Complete this form with the assistance of your family. The information is required in order to complete the Common App.

What are Colleges Looking for on the Common App?

The following questions can help you formulate your admissions decisions and are based on what admissions officers are thinking about as they read an application.

  • Demographic and Family Information
    What’s the make-up of the family? Is this a single-parent home? Does this student have siblings? Have the parents attended college? Can we assess what level of financial resource this family might have based on parent occupations?
    There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions, but they do provide a context in which to view the students’ records.

  • Extracurricular Activities
    Does the student have prolonged commitment to his/her activities? Do the activities take place in school or out of school? Does the student have a job? How does the student spend the summers? Did the student create opportunities to explore interests or pay for that experience through an organization? Is the student a leader or a great team member?
    (    There are no preferred activities or requirements for arts, athletics, community service or other categories. Admissions officers are not looking for a certain activity, but they are looking for students who are involved in any type of extracurricular program. For example, there is no advantage to playing baseball over tennis or being an athlete over a musician).

  • Curriculum and Grades
    Has this student taken advantage of the curriculum available at school to challenge himself/herself? Is the student earning good grades? Is there an upward or downward grade trend, or have the grades largely stayed the same? How do the student’s courses relate to what he or she might want to study in college?

  • Standardized Testing
    Is the testing within the admissions profile, above it or below it? If a student tests high, are their grades also high? If a student has SAT subject tests, do those secondary test scores help to give a better picture of that student’s strengths?

  • Essays
    What is the quality of the student’s writing? Does it sound natural as you read it? What does the essay reveal about the student’s personality and approach to life?

  • Letters of Recommendation
    How does the counselor letter summarize this student’s record? What are teachers saying about this student in the classroom? What are both letters saying about this student on his or her high school campus?

-Nick Accroco

Non-Restrictive Application Admission Options

(Applications Have Until May 1st to Confirm Enrollment)

Regular Decision

  • Is NOT Binding

  • Submit applications by a specific date and receive a decision at a clearly stated time


Rolling

  • Is NOT Binding

  • Applications are accepted throughout the application cycle


Early Action

  • Is NOT Binding

  • Apply early and receive a decision before normal response date


Restrictive Application Admission Options

(Students are Responsible for Following Restrictions)

Early Decision (ED)

  • *Is BINDING

  • Apply early to 1st choice school where IF admitted, the student will definitely attend

  • Deadline and decision are early

  • Must withdraw applications from other schools

Restrictive Early Decision (REA)

  • Is NOT Binding

  • Apply and receive a decision early

  • May be restricted from applying EA, ED, or REA at other schools

  • Have until May 1st to confirm if admitted