Common App Guide

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application, frequently referred to as the Common App, is a comprehensive all in one university application process.

The non-profit organization has an online application that hosts over 700 member colleges and universities in the U.S.

Instead of filling out the same general information—like your address, GPA, and extracurriculars— a dozen times, you only have to do it once.

The Common App takes the daunting process of applying to institutions one by one to a convenient process of up to 20 at a single time.

How long does it take to complete the Common App?

We recommend you allow yourself two to three months to complete your common application form, as you will be required to write essays for this, which will take time.

Admissions tutors will be looking for candidates who have put real thought and effort into their essay, and answered the prompt well.

You want your application to stand out from the crowd, so make sure you give it the time it deserves.

How many Common App essays do I need to write?

You will be required to answer just one of the Common App essay prompts, so think carefully about which one would be best for you.

However, you may also be asked by some US universities to write additional supplementary essays as part of your application.

This is why it's important to check the entry requirements carefully when deciding which institutions to apply to.

How do I start a Common App essay?

Your introduction is one of the most important parts of the Common Application essay. Your introduction needs to have a three way focus: grab the reader’s attention, highlight you as an individual and identify which topic you’re writing about.

For example a great introduction could be: “Last month I organized a street car wash for the special kids fund charity”.

Try to write something that includes something you did, highlights one or more of your skills, and grabs the reader's attention. This way, admissions tutors are more likely to want to keep reading.

When should I begin writing my Common App essay?

To give yourself plenty of time to write your statement, you should begin during the August of the year before you want to start college (or the August before your Senior year if you are a U.S citizen).

Remember that the topics will have come out in the Spring, so some students may have already completed their first draft or two.