The Common Application Overview

The Common Application process is becoming popular for students applying for college.  Many students who are applying to various colleges and don't want to keep creating duplication of information, difference essays, short answers, etc are using the process.  The Common App provides an extensive searching tool for you to search for and research information on each of the 400+ member institutions. This searching tool is available from the main Common App website http://www.commonapp.org/. It can also be accessed by clicking on the 'Search for Colleges' link in the left-hand menu or from the ‘My Colleges’ page of the site.

Click here for a video tutorial on how the online system works.

Click here to retrieve the list of the Colleges/Universities

The purpose of the Common Application is to serve students by facilitating and simplifying the college application process for those seeking admission tomember institutions. In so doing, the Common Application introduces candidates to a broader range of institutions than they might otherwise consider, provides immediate access to application forms, and may be used as an educational tool in preparingstudents for the college selection and application process.

If you have already applied at a particular college or universities do not duplicate the process on the common application website. You only need one application submitted per student to a college.

TRANSCRIPTS, LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS, etc:


High School Transcripts, Letters of Recommendations, Counselor Report, Secondary Report, need to be submitted to the colleges/universities prior or by theregistration or scholarship deadline. If you have not done so already, students should request them from the necessary persons or institutions ASAP. The clock isticking and coming to a fast end. Please remember that you are competing with students from across the country or state and your letters should reflect you in a verystrong way or not be average in meaning or tone.

Supplements:

Many Common App member institutions require supplemental forms. These supplements may be available online on this site or on the institution's website. If an institution that you have selected requires a supplement, this will be available in the 'Supplements' section. If a supplement is required, you must complete and submit this before your application package will be complete.


Some member institutions require that you submit the supplement prior to submitting the Common App. If that is the case, you will see information about that requirement on the Future Plans and My Colleges pages for those institutions.

College Application Fee Waivers:


Below are the eligibility guidelines for college application fee waivers. Many colleges do allow fee waivers under the listed condition. The following URL listed some of the colleges that will allow fee waivers. You may also contact the individual college/university to see if they allow waivers and the procedure for obtaining a waiver. Sample list of college participating in the SAT College applicationfee waivers. The URL is:

Fee Waivers

NACAC Fee Waiver Request
College Board Fee Waiver Request
Other Fee Waiver Request

Eligibility Guidelines for High School Seniors

Must meet at least one of the following indicators of economic need:

Family receives public assistance. Student is a ward of the state. Student resides in foster home. Student participates in free or reduced-price lunch program at school. Financial Hardship (must be approved by the guidance counselor or principal)

Deadlines:

Each member institution has a specific deadline for when they will accept your Common Application and supplement. Once a deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to submit your forms to this institution. Deadlines can be viewed on both the ‘Future Plans’ and ‘My Colleges’ sections.

Please note that some institutions have a supplement deadline before their Common Application deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your forms.