|
|
|
What is CommonApp?
|
Common App is a non-profit college access organization that helps students apply to college every year. Common App’s free college application tool is designed to make applying to college faster and easier. With Common App you only need to use one system to apply to multiple colleges and universities. There are two main parts you fill out: a set of common questions and each college’s own specific questions. The best part is you only have to fill out the common questions one time!
Common App is a place for you to learn about the college admissions process, understand how to plan and apply to college, and discover all that different colleges have to offer. It’s a hub of information that can guide you through each step of the application journey. It’s a resource that connects you with financial aid and scholarship opportunities. |
|
How the First Year Common App Works
Add colleges
Get started by adding colleges to your list. You can find colleges to apply to in the College Search tab of your Common App account. The College Search tab also has information and links to help you research each college. Almost 900 colleges use Common App! Go to commonapp.org/explore to start exploring.
Stay organized
Each college has its own set of specific requirements and supplements. When it comes to tracking this information and staying organized, we’re here to help! Use the “Requirements Grid” and each college’s “College Information” page to find this information. You can also use Common App On Track, our mobile companion app, to track deadlines, set reminders, and more.
To start your college application checklist, check out our “My College Requirements” worksheet at commonapp.org/ready.
Complete and submit
Answering all the questions in the Common App tab is a great way to start your applications. For each college you will:
Get started by adding colleges to your list. You can find colleges to apply to in the College Search tab of your Common App account. The College Search tab also has information and links to help you research each college. Almost 900 colleges use Common App! Go to commonapp.org/explore to start exploring.
Stay organized
Each college has its own set of specific requirements and supplements. When it comes to tracking this information and staying organized, we’re here to help! Use the “Requirements Grid” and each college’s “College Information” page to find this information. You can also use Common App On Track, our mobile companion app, to track deadlines, set reminders, and more.
To start your college application checklist, check out our “My College Requirements” worksheet at commonapp.org/ready.
Complete and submit
Answering all the questions in the Common App tab is a great way to start your applications. For each college you will:
- Answer college specific questions
- Invite and manage recommenders
- Complete other supplements (if applicable)
Gather Your Materials
Use this checklist to help you gather the information you’ll need as you fill out your Common App
High school information
You’ll need to know things like your high school’s CEEB code, GPA scale, and class rank reporting. Check in with your counselor for more details about this information. Ask them for the High School Details Information Sheet! (Download it at commonapp.org/ready)
An unofficial copy of your high school transcript
You’ll be asked to list the courses you’re taking this academic year. Some colleges ask applicants to self report their full academic record in the Courses & Grades section. If you have a college on your list that requires Courses & Grades, you’ll need your transcript to complete this section.
A copy of your test scores and dates
You have the option to enter scores for standardized exams like the ACT and SAT that you have taken and/or plan to take. Don’t forget, you’ll still need to send official score reports to colleges that require them.
Citizenship information
State of residence information
If you think you qualify for in-state tuition for a school you might be asked to share more information about your residence in that state. Use this checklist to help you gather the information you’ll need as you fill out your Common App.
Parent information
You’ll be asked to share some basic information about one or more parents, including your parent’s occupation and job title, and the education level they received. If your parent attended college, you’ll need to know the name and location of the college they attended, as well as what degree they received and when.
A list of academic honors
You can include up to 5 academic honors you received during high school. You’ll need to include the honor’s title, when you received it, and the level of recognition you received (regional or national, for example).
A list of your activities
You have the option to enter up to 10 activities you participated in during high school. These activities might include family responsibilities, jobs, volunteer work, clubs, sports, hobbies, and more. For each activity you’ll list: the years of participation, hours p
You’ll need to know things like your high school’s CEEB code, GPA scale, and class rank reporting. Check in with your counselor for more details about this information. Ask them for the High School Details Information Sheet! (Download it at commonapp.org/ready)
An unofficial copy of your high school transcript
You’ll be asked to list the courses you’re taking this academic year. Some colleges ask applicants to self report their full academic record in the Courses & Grades section. If you have a college on your list that requires Courses & Grades, you’ll need your transcript to complete this section.
A copy of your test scores and dates
You have the option to enter scores for standardized exams like the ACT and SAT that you have taken and/or plan to take. Don’t forget, you’ll still need to send official score reports to colleges that require them.
Citizenship information
- Social Security Number, if you intend to apply for financial aid via FAFSA (For U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. dual citizens, U.S. permanent residents, U.S. refugees, and U.S. asylees).
- For Permanent Residents: A copy of your green card.
- For non-U.S. citizens: U.S. visa type, number, and date issued. If you do not yet have a U.S. visa but intend to apply for one, you can indicate that in the application.
State of residence information
If you think you qualify for in-state tuition for a school you might be asked to share more information about your residence in that state. Use this checklist to help you gather the information you’ll need as you fill out your Common App.
Parent information
You’ll be asked to share some basic information about one or more parents, including your parent’s occupation and job title, and the education level they received. If your parent attended college, you’ll need to know the name and location of the college they attended, as well as what degree they received and when.
- Occupation
- Job title
- Education level
- Name of college(s) attended
- College location
- Degree earned
- Year degree earned
A list of academic honors
You can include up to 5 academic honors you received during high school. You’ll need to include the honor’s title, when you received it, and the level of recognition you received (regional or national, for example).
A list of your activities
You have the option to enter up to 10 activities you participated in during high school. These activities might include family responsibilities, jobs, volunteer work, clubs, sports, hobbies, and more. For each activity you’ll list: the years of participation, hours p
