The Common App

The Common Application, accepted by over 400+ schools, is available online. We highly recommend its use. Once you have created your own account on the Common App website, you will be directed to the appropriate forms to complete your application.

FAQ

How do I submit my Common Application? Once you have answered all required questions, you may submit your application. Click the Submit button to submit your application. This button is found on the Sign and Submit section and the My Colleges section.

You must submit your Common App to each of your selected institutions. This can be done all at once, or one at a time. After you have submitted your Common App, you may add additional institutions and submit your application to them as well. Once you have submitted your Common App to any institution, your application will be locked and you will not be able to make any changes to it.

How do I preview and /or print my Common Application?  You will be able to preview your common application prior to submission by clicking the Print/Preview button. It is your responsibility to preview your application prior to submitting it to ensure all your information is entered correctly. You will not be able to preview your application until you have answered all required questions.

It is highly recommended that you submit your application online. Most colleges prefer that you do. If you choose to print and mail your application, please DO NOT submit online as well. This often causes confusion and processing delays in college admissions offices.

Where do I find college supplements? Many common app member institutions require supplemental forms. These supplements may be available online on the Common App website, or on the institution’s website. If an institution that you have selected requires a supplement, it will be available in the supplements section. If a supplement is required, you must complete and submit this before your application package is considered complete by the institution.

Must the supplements by submitted at the same time you submit your application? Some institutions require you submit your supplement before you may submit your common application; this information is provided for each institution in your my Colleges list in the Future Plans section of the Common App Online. Additionally, if you submit your application electronically, you MUST submit your supplement electronically as well.

How do I pay my application fee? Many Common App institutions require an application fee.  Payment of this fee may be available online on the Common App website, or the institution’s website. If an institution that you have selected requires an application fee, this will be available in the "Payments" section. If an application fee is required, you must submit this fee before your application is considered complete.

If you must send your payment by mail, send a check or money order payable in U.S. currency. Do not send cash. Include your name, date of birth, and home phone number on the check.

Where can I find application deadlines? Each institution has a specific deadline for accepting 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 in the My Checklist section.

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

Can I have different versions of the Common App to send to different schools?  Alternate versions can be used in the event an applicant chooses to provide slightly different information to one institution from another one.  Here are the steps.

  1. You must submit the Common application to at least one institution first.  You cannot create an alternate version until this has occurred and you have logged out of your account.
  2. Select Instructions, then select Application versions.  Follow the directions displayed on the screen

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The above information can be found on the Common App website at https://www.commonapp.org.