What is the Common App? |
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The Common Application (Common App) is an online college application platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges and universities using one application.
More than 1,100 colleges and universities use Common App. Instead of entering the same basic information over and over for different colleges, you can complete much of the information once and then submit applications to the colleges on your list.
Important: Not every college uses Common App. Always check the application requirements for each college you are considering.
More than 1,100 colleges and universities use Common App. Instead of entering the same basic information over and over for different colleges, you can complete much of the information once and then submit applications to the colleges on your list.
Important: Not every college uses Common App. Always check the application requirements for each college you are considering.
Do I need to use Common App?
It depends on where you are applying.
University of California (UC)
UC campuses use the UC Application. You do not apply to UC campuses through Common App.
California State University (CSU)
CSU campuses use Cal State Apply. You do not apply to CSU campuses through Common App.
Private and Out-of-State Colleges
Many private and out-of-state colleges and universities use Common App. Check each college's website or search for the college within Common App to determine how to apply.
University of California (UC)
UC campuses use the UC Application. You do not apply to UC campuses through Common App.
California State University (CSU)
CSU campuses use Cal State Apply. You do not apply to CSU campuses through Common App.
Private and Out-of-State Colleges
Many private and out-of-state colleges and universities use Common App. Check each college's website or search for the college within Common App to determine how to apply.
To check to see if your college uses the Common App Click Here
Getting Started: Creating Your Account
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Go to CommonApp.org and create a First-Year Student account.
Use an email address that you check regularly. Colleges may use the email address associated with your application to communicate important information with you. Before beginning your application, it is helpful to have: ✓ A copy of your high school transcript ✓ Your current senior-year courses ✓ A list of extracurricular activities ✓ Employment and volunteer experience ✓ Academic honors and awards ✓ Parent/guardian information ✓ SAT/ACT information, if applicable ✓ A list of colleges you are considering |
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Some Important Information About Your Common App Account
The Common App Essay
The personal essay gives colleges an opportunity to learn something about you that may not be obvious from your transcript, grades, or activities.
Your essay should help the reader understand who you are.
A strong essay doesn't have to describe an extraordinary accomplishment. A thoughtful essay about an experience, interest, challenge, relationship, or moment in your life can tell an admissions officer a great deal about you.
Give yourself time to:
Brainstorm → Draft → Revise → Proofread
Avoid waiting until the day your application is due to begin your essay!
Your essay should help the reader understand who you are.
A strong essay doesn't have to describe an extraordinary accomplishment. A thoughtful essay about an experience, interest, challenge, relationship, or moment in your life can tell an admissions officer a great deal about you.
Give yourself time to:
Brainstorm → Draft → Revise → Proofread
Avoid waiting until the day your application is due to begin your essay!
Recommenders & FERPA
This is an important part of Common App that often causes confusion.
Some colleges require recommendations from a school counselor, teacher, or both. Other colleges do not require recommendations.
Always check the requirements for each college.
FERPA Release Authorizations
Before inviting your counselor or teachers, Common App will ask you to complete the FERPA Release Authorization.
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of your educational records.
The authorization allows Santiago High School to send requested educational records to the colleges to which you are applying.
You will also be asked whether you wish to waive your right to review your recommendations. It is highly recommended you waive this right so that your recommenders will write an evaluation. Some will not submit a letter of recommendation if FERPA is not waived.
Some colleges require recommendations from a school counselor, teacher, or both. Other colleges do not require recommendations.
Always check the requirements for each college.
FERPA Release Authorizations
Before inviting your counselor or teachers, Common App will ask you to complete the FERPA Release Authorization.
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of your educational records.
The authorization allows Santiago High School to send requested educational records to the colleges to which you are applying.
You will also be asked whether you wish to waive your right to review your recommendations. It is highly recommended you waive this right so that your recommenders will write an evaluation. Some will not submit a letter of recommendation if FERPA is not waived.
Counselor Recommendations
If one of your colleges requires a Counselor Recommendation, you will need to invite your counselor through Common App.
Your counselor may be responsible for submitting items such as:
✓ School Report
✓ Transcript
✓ Counselor Recommendation, when required
✓ Additional school information requested by the college
Give your counselor plenty of notice before your earliest application deadline.
Your counselor may be responsible for submitting items such as:
✓ School Report
✓ Transcript
✓ Counselor Recommendation, when required
✓ Additional school information requested by the college
Give your counselor plenty of notice before your earliest application deadline.
Teacher Recommendations
Not every college requires teacher recommendations.
Check each college's requirements before requesting a letter.
If a teacher recommendation is required:
Check each college's requirements before requesting a letter.
If a teacher recommendation is required:
- Decide which teacher would be able to provide a meaningful recommendation.
- Ask the teacher before adding them as a recommender in Common App.
- Give your teacher plenty of time before your application deadline.
- Provide any information your teacher requests to help with the recommendation.
- Thank your teacher for taking the time to write on your behalf.
After You Submit
1. Check Your Email
2. Create Your Applicant Portals
3. Check Your Portals Regularly
4. Watch for Requests
5. Keep Your Grades Up
- Colleges will often email you instructions for creating an applicant portal (applicant portals are secure online accounts that colleges create for students after they apply. Think of it as each college's application status dashboard).
2. Create Your Applicant Portals
- Your applicant portal allows you to monitor your application and see whether the college is missing any required documents.
3. Check Your Portals Regularly
- Do not assume that everything has been received simply because you submitted Common App.
4. Watch for Requests
- A college may request additional information or documents.
5. Keep Your Grades Up
- Your senior-year grades still matter. Colleges may receive midyear and/or final transcripts.