What is the Common App? The Common App is an online application platform designed to simplify the university application process. It helps students understand the application requirements of various universities and allows them to apply to multiple institutions with just one set of information. Below, we provide a Common App application guide. Additionally, we highlight key points to consider when using the Common App to help students successfully complete their applications and move closer to their dream universities.
What is the Common App?
The Common App (The Common Application) is an online platform used by over 1,000 universities and colleges worldwide, including most U.S. universities and some institutions in Europe and Asia. The platform’s primary function is to enable students to fill out their information and upload application documents just once, which can then be sent to multiple universities simultaneously. This significantly reduces the need for students to write multiple essays and repeat the application process for each institution.
Furthermore, students can use the Common App to invite teachers to submit recommendation letters and other required documents. Overall, the Common App effectively streamlines the university application process, saving time and effort for both students and teachers.
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Common App Application Opening Dates
The Common App opens for applications every year on 1st August. Applications cannot be submitted before this date, but students can prepare in advance by drafting their personal statement and filling out other sections, such as personal information, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and SAT scores. Once the application opens, students can access individual universities' supplemental questions and complete them accordingly. Since application deadlines for universities using the Common App vary, it is recommended that students complete most of their information and upload necessary documents during the summer to avoid missing deadlines.
Common App Application Deadlines
Application deadlines depend on the universities you wish to apply to. On the Common App, there are three main types of deadlines:
Regular Decision (RD)
RD deadlines are usually in early January or early February (commonly 1st February), with admission decisions released between March and April. Students accepted under RD typically have until May to decide whether to enrol.
Early Action (EA)
EA deadlines are generally in early November or early December (commonly 1st or 15th November/December). Admission decisions for EA are released earlier than those for RD, typically between December and February, depending on the timing of the application. Students accepted through EA also have until May to decide whether to enrol.
Early Decision (ED)
ED plans are divided into EDI and EDII. EDI deadlines are in early November, while EDII deadlines are mostly in early January, with decisions released in December and February, respectively. It is important to note that applying through ED on the Common App involves a binding agreement: if accepted, students must enrol at their first-choice university. If a student is certain about attending a particular university, they can choose to apply through the ED plan [1].
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Common App Guide
1. Create a Common App Account
Students need to start by creating a personal account on the Common App website. This involves filling out basic details, including personal information, school background, and family circumstances. These details will be used across all university applications, saving time and effort by avoiding repetitive data entry.
2. Explore and Add Target Universities
After creating an account, students can begin searching for their desired universities under the "The College Search" tab and add them to the "My Colleges" list. Once added, students can review the application requirements for each university. It is recommended to consult the official Common App guide to find detailed application requirements for each institution.
3. Upload Academic Records and Extracurricular Activities
Although many universities are test-optional for SAT or ACT scores, some still require these results. Students should submit scores based on the requirements of their chosen schools. Additionally, we encourage students to upload their high school grades, academic achievements, and complete the extracurricular activities section. Most universities value not only academic transcripts but also extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, volunteering, and internships, which highlight leadership skills and personal interests.
4. Write Personal Statements and Supplemental Essays
The personal statement is one of the most critical parts of a Common App application. With a word limit of 650 words [2], students are advised to write a genuine and meaningful story or experience. Avoid exaggeration and focus on showcasing individual characteristics, learning attitude, and future aspirations. For supplemental questions and essays, each university has different requirements. These often include questions like "Why did you choose this university?" or "What interests you about this particular major?" Students should research the university's unique features and provide specific, well-thought-out responses to demonstrate their understanding of and compatibility with the institution.
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5. Submit Your Application
Once all sections are fully completed and reviewed, you can proceed to submit your application. If required by your target universities, you must pay the application fee at the time of submission. After submitting, you can track your application progress through the Common App platform.
Important Notes for Using the Common App
The Common App is an efficient online platform that streamlines the university application process. Students should pay close attention to application deadlines and start preparations early to ensure all information is gathered and sufficient time is available to draft and revise personal statements.
In your personal essay, be honest and focus on your growth and future aspirations. Check for spelling and grammatical errors before submission, and consider asking a teacher or study abroad consultant for feedback.
It is also important to note that not all universities accept applications through the Common App. Students must carefully check which platform is required for their target universities. For example, the following prominent universities do not use the Common App:
1. University of California system (UC)
2. California State University system (CSU)
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. Georgetown University
5. Texas Public Universities
6. U.S. Service Academies [3]
Professional Overseas Study Consultation Services
The above explains what the Common App is, along with a guide and important notes for completing your Common App application. Applying to university is a crucial stage in a student’s academic journey. Early preparation, meticulous form completion, and thoughtful personal essay writing will help you achieve admission to your desired university.
If you have any further questions about the Common App, feel free to contact our professional consultants for assistance.
參考資料：
1. GUIDE TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS: CHAPTER 7
https://www.nacacnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NACAC-GCAP-2022-Report-1022_1.pdf
2. Common App Student Solutions Center - Writing requirements by college
https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/writing-requirements
3. Common App Student Solutions Center - Live Common App member schools
https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/live-common-app-members-a-c