The Common Application

What Is the Common App?#

The Common Application (Common App) is an online platform that lets you apply to multiple colleges and universities with one application. Instead of filling out separate forms for every school, you fill out the Common App once and then submit it to each school you want to apply to. Over 1,000 schools accept the Common App, and you can apply to up to 20 schools through a single Common App account.

You can create your account at commonapp.org.

For a full video walkthrough, watch: Common App Walkthrough on YouTube

Personal Information#

The first section asks for your basic details: name, date of birth, address, citizenship, and contact information. Fill this out accurately. Make sure your name matches your passport exactly.

If you have a preferred name or a name you go by that is different from your legal name, you can add that too. But your legal name must be correct.

High School Information#

You will need to enter details about your high school: the name, address, type of school, and your graduation date. If your school is not in the Common App system, you can add it manually.

You will also enter your GPA if your school uses one. If your school uses a different grading system (like the British system, percentages, or letter grades), just enter what your school uses. Schools understand that grading systems vary around the world.

Transcripts#

You will need your high school transcript. This is your official record of grades. Ask your school counselor or registrar for an official copy. Some schools require it to be sent directly from your school.

School Counselor#

The Common App requires a school counselor to submit a recommendation and your school profile. If your school does not have a counselor, you can use a principal, headmaster, or teacher who knows you well and can speak about your school and your academic performance.

Your counselor will need to:

• Create their own Common App account
• Fill out the school profile
• Upload your transcript
• Write a recommendation letter

Give your counselor plenty of time. Ask them at least two months before the deadline.

Letters of Recommendation#

Most schools require two teacher recommendation letters. Choose teachers who:

• Know you well personally and academically
• Taught you in your junior or senior year
• Can speak to specific strengths and stories about you
• Teach in different subject areas (one STEM, one humanities is ideal)

Do not just pick the teacher who gave you the best grade. Pick the teacher who knows you best and can write a detailed, personal letter.

What If You Cannot Get Documents?#

If you come from a country or situation where getting official documents is difficult — maybe your school closed, records were lost, or there is a conflict — do not panic. Contact the admissions office of each school you are applying to and explain your situation. Many schools have dealt with this before and will work with you.

Standardized Tests#

The Common App has a section where you can report your SAT or ACT scores. You can choose whether or not to submit scores. Many schools are now test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit scores if you do not want to.

If you have strong scores, submit them. If your scores are not strong, consider applying test-optional. We will discuss this more in Chapter 4.

Activities Section#

This is one of the most important parts of your application. You get 10 slots to list your extracurricular activities. These can include:

• Clubs and organizations
• Sports
• Volunteer work
• Work experience (including family responsibilities)
• Personal projects
• Community involvement
• Religious activities
• Arts and creative work

For each activity, you get 150 characters to describe it. Make every word count. Focus on your impact and leadership, not just participation.

Order matters. Put your most important and impressive activities first. The admissions officer may not read all 10.

Essays#

Personal Statement#

The Common App personal essay is your chance to tell your story. You choose from several prompts, but ultimately the prompt does not matter as much as the story you tell. The essay should be 250-650 words.

Tips for a strong personal essay:

• Be authentic. Write in your own voice. Do not try to sound like someone else.
• Be specific. Vague essays are forgettable. Concrete details make your essay memorable.
• Show, do not tell. Instead of saying "I am hardworking," describe a specific moment that shows it.
• Answer the "so what." Why does this story matter? What did you learn? How did it change you?
• Start strong. Your opening line should grab attention.
• Revise multiple times. Your first draft will not be your best. Edit ruthlessly.

Supplemental Essays#

In addition to the personal statement, most schools require supplemental essays. These are shorter essays specific to each school. Common types include:

• Why this school? — Research the school and mention specific programs, professors, or opportunities that interest you. Be genuine and specific.
• Community essay — How will you contribute to the campus community?
• Activity elaboration — Describe an activity in more detail.
• Intellectual curiosity — What excites you academically?

Each school's supplements are different. Read the prompts carefully and tailor your responses to each school.

Application Fees and Fee Waivers#

Most schools charge an application fee, typically between $50 and $90. For international students applying to many schools, this adds up fast.

Fee waivers are available. If you cannot afford the application fee, you can request a fee waiver. The Common App has a built-in fee waiver option for students with financial need. Check the box in the profile section indicating you need a fee waiver. Many schools will automatically waive the fee.

If the Common App fee waiver does not work for a particular school, email the admissions office directly. Explain your financial situation honestly. Most schools will waive the fee. Do not let money stop you from applying.

Related Guides#

• Common App for International Students: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• Common App Guide: How International Students Apply for US Scholarships
• Common App Fee Waiver: Apply to 20 US Schools for FREE

Related Videos#

• Common App Guide: How International Students Apply for US Scholarships
• Common App Fee Waiver: Apply to 20 US Schools for FREE