What Schools Use Common Application

The Common Application, commonly referred to as Common App, is a widely recognized platform that simplifies the college application process for students.

What Schools Use Common Application, It allows them to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form and set of standardized questions. This eliminates the need for students to fill out separate applications for each institution, saving them valuable time and effort.

What Schools Use Common Application

Overview of Common Application

Established in 1975, Common App was created to streamline the college admissions process. Since then, it has gained immense popularity and is now accepted by over 900 colleges and universities, both in the United States and internationally. It has become the go-to application platform for millions of students worldwide.

Benefits of Using Common Application

Using Common App offers several advantages for both students and colleges. Let’s explore some of the key benefits in detail:

1. Efficiency: Common App streamlines the application process, allowing students to submit multiple applications with ease. Instead of filling out repetitive forms, they can input their personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays just once. This saves them from the hassle of duplicating efforts and ensures accuracy in their applications.

2. Standardization: By providing a uniform application template, Common App ensures that all colleges receive consistent information from applicants. This makes the evaluation process more efficient and fair. Admissions officers can focus on evaluating the content of the applications rather than deciphering different formats.

3. Expanded Reach: Common App opens doors to a wide range of colleges and universities for students. They can apply to public and private institutions, liberal arts colleges, research universities, and more. This expands their options and increases their chances of acceptance. Students can explore various academic programs and find the best fit for their educational goals.

4. Supplemental Materials: Common App allows students to submit supplemental materials, such as portfolios, videos, or additional essays, depending on the individual requirements of each college. This allows applicants to showcase their unique talents and achievements beyond what is covered in the standard application. It enables colleges to have a more comprehensive understanding of the applicants’ capabilities.

Types of Schools that Use Common Application

Common App is widely accepted by a diverse range of educational institutions, including:

1. Liberal Arts Colleges: Many prestigious liberal arts colleges, such as Williams College, Amherst College, and Pomona College, use Common App as their primary application platform. These institutions emphasize a broad-based education and offer a wide range of academic disciplines. Students interested in the liberal arts can explore these colleges through Common App.

2. Private Universities: Several renowned private universities, including Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, and Columbia University, accept Common App. These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs and are known for their rigorous academic standards. Common App provides students with a streamlined way to apply to these highly competitive universities.

3. Public Universities: Many public universities, such as the University of California system, the University of Michigan, and the University of Virginia, accept Common App. These institutions often have large student populations, diverse academic programs, and competitive admissions. The convenience of using Common App makes it easier for students to apply to these public universities, which can have complex application processes.

4. International Universities: Common App has expanded its reach and is now accepted by a growing number of international universities. Some notable examples include the University of Toronto in Canada, the University College London in the United Kingdom, and the University of Sydney in Australia. This global acceptance of Common App provides opportunities for students seeking international education.

5. Art and Design Schools: Common App is also used by art and design schools, such as Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Parsons School of Design. These institutions offer specialized programs in areas like fine arts, fashion design, graphic design, and more. Common App’s flexibility allows students interested in creative fields to apply to these renowned art and design schools.

6. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Common App is gaining traction among HBCUs, including Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. These institutions have a rich history of providing education to African-American students. Common App’s inclusion of HBCUs allows students to explore educational opportunities rooted in culture and tradition.

It is important to note that while Common App is widely accepted, some colleges and universities have their unique application platforms. Therefore, students need to research and understand the application requirements of each institution they are interested in.

Application Process using Common App

The application process through Common App typically involves the following steps:

1. Create an Account: Students begin by creating an account on the Common App website. They provide their personal information, including contact details and academic history. This account serves as a centralized hub for managing their college applications.

2. Add Colleges: Students can search for colleges and universities within the Common App platform and add them to their list of selected institutions. Each college may have specific supplemental requirements beyond the basic application. It is important for students to carefully review the individual requirements of each college they are applying to.

3. Complete the Application: Students fill out the common sections of the application, including personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essays. Common App provides clear prompts and guidelines for each section, making it easier for students to present themselves effectively to colleges. Students can save their progress and return to complete the application at a later time.

4. Submit Transcripts and Recommendations: To complete their applications, students arrange for their high school transcripts and letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the colleges they are applying to. Common App provides a secure platform for students, counsellors, and recommenders to manage these important documents.

5. Pay Application Fees: Some colleges may require an application fee, which students can conveniently pay through the Common App platform. Common App offers various payment options to ensure a seamless process for students.

6. Review and Submit: Before final submission, students should carefully review their application for accuracy and completeness. They can use Common App’s preview feature to see how their application will appear to colleges. Once satisfied, they can electronically submit their application to the selected colleges.

7. Track Application Status: Common App provides tools for students to track the status of their applications. They can see if their applications have been received, processed, or accepted. This allows students to stay informed throughout the admissions process.

Students need to familiarize themselves with the specific deadlines and requirements of each college they are applying to using Common App. Each college may have different application deadlines, including early decision or regular decision options. Being aware of these deadlines helps students plan their application timeline effectively.

Final Thoughts

The Common Application has revolutionized the college admissions process by simplifying and streamlining the application procedure for students worldwide. It’s widely accepted by a variety of educational institutions.

including liberal arts colleges, private and public universities, international universities, art and design schools, and HBCUs, making it an invaluable tool for college-bound students. By utilizing Common App, students can efficiently apply to multiple colleges, expand their options, and increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired institutions.

FAQ

1. What is Common Application?

Common Application, also known as Common App, is a platform that simplifies the college application process for students. It allows them to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form and set of standardized questions.

2. How many colleges and universities accept Common Application?

Over 900 colleges and universities, both in the United States and internationally, accept Common Application. It has become the go-to application platform for millions of students worldwide.

3. What are the benefits of using Common Application?

Using Common App offers several benefits, including increased efficiency, standardization of applications, expanded reach to a wide range of colleges and universities, and the ability to submit supplemental materials to showcase unique talents and achievements.

4. What types of schools use Common Application?

Common App is widely accepted by various types of educational institutions, including liberal arts colleges, private and public universities, international universities, art and design schools, and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, students need to research and understand the specific application requirements of each institution they are interested in.