Click here to access the Common Application website!
A copy of your high school transcript
In the Education section you will enter your high school grades and current courses. Some colleges also need you to self report your high school transcript. You can check out your Courses & Grades section to learn more.
A list of your activities, work, and family responsibilities
You can share your interests and who you are outside of the classroom in the activities section. You can share information about things like work, hobbies, clubs, and community engagement. And don’t forget, family responsibilities can be important to share as well. This is the place to show colleges what makes you unique!
Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (SATs, ACTs, etc.)
You may self-report scores for any standardized tests in the Testing section. Every college has different testing requirements. Some colleges will always need your test scores. Other colleges may be flexible or have a test optional policy. Be sure to check the Testing policy of the colleges on your list.
Parent/Legal guardian information
Many colleges collect this information in the Family section for demographic purposes. We will ask for your parents occupation, employment status, and education level. If applicable, we will also ask which college(s) they attended and how many degrees they have earned.
Academic honors and achievements
The Activities section isn’t the only place to show your passion and where you excel! You will also have the chance to share any academic honors or achievements from high school.
The College Search tab is where you will search for and add the colleges you want to apply to. If you have a school in mind you can search by name. If you want to keep exploring, you can use the more filters button. Some filters include:
Adding a college is easy! You may add a college using the add button in the search results list. You can also select a college and add them using the “Add to My Colleges” button from their info screen.
Once you’ve added colleges, you can see them on your Dashboard and in your My Colleges tab. Keep in mind you may only add up to 20 colleges. You may adjust your list of colleges at any time.
* While some colleges may charge an application fee, others have no fee to apply. And, many will offer fee waivers under certain circumstances, including financial need, veteran status, and more. (If you qualify for free/reduced lunch you qualify for a fee-waiver)
Inviting and Assigning Recommenders. Talk to teachers/ other recommenders ahead of time to find out if they will write a letter for you. They may ask for a list of your accomplishments/ extracurriculars so they can better highlight your achievements.
In general, each college has their own recommendation requirements. For example, one college may need two teacher recommendations. Some colleges may not want any teacher recommendations. Colleges can also determine what kinds of other recommenders they want. Some may allow for any recommender type, whereas others only allow an employer recommendation.
Types of recommenders you can invite on the common app
Each college needs you to complete common questions and add counselors. Beyond that their applications vary. You will find the additional requirements in the specific school’s tab. Each college can determine their unique requirements for:
College is all post-secondary education including certificate programs, trade schools, community colleges and 4 year colleges and universities. Learn More