UVA, Harvard, Rollins, Fordham, UCLA. What do these schools all have in common? They use the Common Application! The Common Application, or Common App as it is commonly known, is a website which you can use to apply to over 900 different colleges and universities in the US. The beauty of the Common App is that students fill out the main section, which contains basic demographic and financial information as well as an essay, once and that section goes to all the schools that accept the Common App, no need to fill out the same information multiple times!
The Common App is more than just a form you need to fill out in order to apply to most colleges in the US. The Common App also maintains several useful guides and FAQs no matter where you are in the application process. They also have a dedicated blog where they post helpful articles about different facets of the application process and how to make the most out of the Common App.
Some colleges, like UVA, require supplemental information or essays beyond what is included in the Common App. At other schools, you only need the Common App to apply. Every college requires different items to apply; it is important to check a school’s admission website to learn more about what requirements they have.
There are a several schools out there that do not require the Common App. Some schools use the Coalition Application which has a different format and set of instructions. Other schools may have their own system of application. Remember though, UVA uses the Common App so if UVA is on your list of potential colleges, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with everything the Common App has to offer.