Introduction
For students applying to college in 2025, the Common Application—more commonly known as the Common App—remains one of the most important tools in the admissions process. Used by over 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. and beyond, this unified platform allows you to apply to multiple schools at once through one streamlined system.
Whether you’re a high school senior, an international applicant, or a transfer student, the Common App helps save time and ensures your application materials stay organized. But while the platform simplifies the process, filling it out correctly—and strategically—is key to standing out. This step-by-step guide breaks down the full Common App process in a friendly, easy-to-follow way so you can confidently move through each section.
What is the Common App and Who Uses It?
The Common App is a centralized online college application platform accepted by schools like NYU, Stanford, UCLA, and Harvard. It enables students to submit applications to multiple colleges with one set of core documents.
Who Uses the Common App?
U.S. high school seniors applying for the first time
International students targeting U.S. universities
Transfer students moving from one college to another
Each applicant completes a standard application shared across all schools, and then adds supplemental materials for each college if needed.
How to Set Up Your Common App Account
Step 1: Visit the Official Site
Head to commonapp.org and click on “Create an Account” in the top right corner.
Step 2: Choose Your User Type
You’ll be prompted to choose your status:
First-Year Student – For high school seniors
Transfer Student – For those moving from one college to another
Parent or Educator – For those supporting students through the process
Step 3: Fill in Basic Information
You’ll need to provide:
A personal email address (use Gmail or Yahoo instead of school email)
Legal name and preferred name (if applicable)
Date of birth, phone number, and home address
A secure password (and save it somewhere safe)
Step 4: Agree to Terms and Create Your Account
Check the terms of use, hit “Create Account”, and you’ll be redirected to your personalized dashboard. A welcome email with your Common App ID will follow shortly.
Exploring the Common App Dashboard
Add Colleges to Your List
Click the “College Search” tab and start typing in the names of colleges you want to apply to. Click “Add” next to any school you’re interested in. This builds your personalized college list, which you can later view under the “My Colleges” tab.
Complete the Common App Sections
Now, begin filling out the core application—this includes multiple sections that apply to all colleges.
Completing the Common App Sections
Personal Profile
Start with your Personal Information. Much of this may auto-fill based on your account setup. Make sure to review:
Legal name and date of birth
Contact info and current address
Preferred communication method
Family Background
Enter details about your household, parents, and siblings. Include each parent’s education level and occupation if available.
Education History
List all high schools you’ve attended, when you entered, and your graduation timeline. You’ll also report:
GPA (weighted/unweighted)
Class rank (if applicable)
Courses for your current senior year
Any honors or academic awards (up to five)
Pro Tip: Match course names and honor titles exactly to what’s on your transcript for clarity.
Activities Section
You can list up to 10 extracurriculars. For each activity, include:
Your position or title
A short description of your role
Time commitment (hours per week and weeks per year)
This is your chance to showcase leadership, creativity, and commitment—go beyond just listing clubs.
Testing Section
Report Your Scores
Depending on your school list and testing status, you may include:
SAT or ACT scores
AP exams or other standardized tests
Only report tests you’re confident will strengthen your application. If unsure, consult your counselor or use the test-optional policy to your advantage.
Writing Section
Personal Essay
All Common App users must submit a personal statement (up to 650 words). You’ll choose one of seven prompts. Pick a topic that reflects personal growth or a defining moment in your life.
Example prompts include:
Overcoming a challenge
Learning from failure
A time your beliefs were questioned
Your essay should show depth, personality, and values—not just achievements.
Additional Information
This section is optional. Use it if you need to explain:
Academic disruptions (e.g., illness, family issues)
Unique circumstances or school policies
Standardized testing anomalies
Keep your tone factual and to the point—don’t repeat info from other sections.
Courses & Grades
Some colleges require you to upload your actual transcripts and break down your course history. This includes:
Each course by subject, name, and level
Transcripts from 9th to 12th grade (as available)
Make sure course names match exactly with what appears on your school transcript.
College-Specific Supplements
After the main Common App is done, each college you apply to may ask for:
Short-answer questions
School-specific essays
Additional recommendations
Specific testing preferences
Go to the “My Colleges” section to complete each school’s supplemental materials.
Before You Submit
Once all sections have green checkmarks, preview your full application as a PDF. Review everything for accuracy. Make final edits if needed before paying any required fees and clicking Submit.
If you were installing an APK instead of using the Common App through a browser, this is where we’d include the download steps. Since this is a web platform, no APK file is required.