What exactly is the Common Application?

Hey guys, I've heard a lot about the Common App, but I'm not 100% sure what it is. Can someone explain what the Common Application is and how it works?

Hey there! The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is an online platform that streamlines the college application process, allowing you to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. It's accepted by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States, including many private and public institutions.

When you create a Common App account, you'll fill out a variety of information just once, like your demographic info, academic history, test scores, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. This information is then used across all the colleges on your list that accept the Common App. You'll be able to select the schools you want to apply to from a list, and the platform will keep track of deadlines and requirements for you.

Keep in mind that individual colleges may have additional requirements known as "supplements," which may include short-answer questions, additional essays, or other materials specific to that school. You'll need to complete these supplements for each school you apply to, but the Common App makes it relatively easy to manage and complete these tasks in one place.

The convenience and ease-of-use offered by the Common App make it a popular option for students applying to multiple colleges. As long as the institutions you are interested in are part of the Common App network, you can save time and effort compared to filling out separate applications for each school. Good luck with your college applications!