The Common Application (informally known as the Common App) is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 800 member colleges and universities in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, and many European countries.  

1. Create Your Account

There is no preparation required for this step, so you can create your account as early as you'd like.  All you'll need is some basic profile information - like your name, date of birth, address and phone number.  And of course, you'll need to provide a valid email address.

Note: Your email address will become your user name and the Common App's primary method of sending your updates and reminders, so make sure that you provide an email address that you check on a regular basis.

2. Add Schools To Your List

The Common App presents you with opportunity to search from more than 600 schools (private, public, large and small), find the ones that meet your needs, and then add them to your My Colleges list - an all-in-one convenient place to track the work ahead of you.

Once you log in, simply click on the College Search tab to find schools based on their name, location, deadline, or distance from your home.  You might discover a terrific school you would've otherwise never known about, and the Common App will connect you to the institution to apply directly.

3. Understand Your Schools' Specific Requirements

Just like every students unique, so is every school.  We know it sounds cliche, but it's true.  No two schools will have the exact same requirements - therefore your application process will vary for each school on your list.  How will you keep track?  Check out our Requirements Grid and download the Requirements Tracker worksheet.  These resources will ensure that you're ready to submit everything your schools require by the deadlines they require it. 

View the Grid       Get The Worksheet

4. Gather Your General Application Information

While every school has a different list of college-specific requirements, the general application information (for the Common App) will remain constant for all schools on your list.  You'll be asked to list you high school grades and courses, along with your activities, entrance exam scores and exam dates, and parent or legal guardian information.  Get a head start and save yourself time by collecting this information before you fill our the application.  You'll be glad you did.  Need help understanding the app lingo?  Visit the Application Dictionary.

What you'll need for every application:

• A copy of your high school transcript
• A list of you extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school.
• Test scores and test dates from your college entrance exams. (SAT, ACT, Subject Tests)

5. Start Your Application

Feeling nervous?  That's normal.  The hardest part is getting started.  As you delve into the application, you'll realize that it's less of an intimidating process and more of an exciting chance to showcase your talents, highlight your goals, and tell your personal story.  And if you have a question along the way, visit the Applicant Solutions Center at anytime.  Good luck!