The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of the 488 members.

The Common Application simplifies the college admission process by saving time and eliminating duplication of effort. Once completed online or in print, copies of the Application for Undergraduate Admission and associated secondary school forms may be sent to any of the participating colleges and universities. This allows students to spend less time on the busywork of applying for admission, and more time on what’s really important: college research, campus visits, essay writing, and senior year coursework.

Yes! Millions of Common Applications are printed and accepted by our members each year. In addition, last year almost 2.5 million applications were submitted via the Common App Online.

ABSOLUTELY! Our college and university members have worked together for 35 years to develop this application. All members fully support its use, and all give equal consideration to the Common Application and the college’s own forms. Many of our members use the Common Application as their only undergraduate admission