Common App

The Common Application, Inc., widely known as Common App, is a non-profit membership organization that has been dedicated to advancing access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process since its inception in 1975. Initially established by a small consortium of 15 colleges and universities aiming to simplify the application process using photocopier technology, Common App has evolved significantly over nearly five decades. Today, it serves as a crucial online platform connecting applicants with over 1,000 diverse member institutions of higher education. These members include public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and numerous countries worldwide, including Canada, China, Japan, and many in Europe.

Each year, more than one million students utilize Common App to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and access college counseling resources. Notably, about a third of these applicants are first-generation college students, underscoring Common App's commitment to supporting underserved populations. The organization's mission is to promote a college admission process that is not only streamlined but also fair and transparent. This involves considering subjective elements from essays and recommendations alongside objective criteria like class rank. In January 2019, Common App enhanced its efforts by uniting with Reach Higher, the college access and success initiative founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama. This collaboration aims to further support all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and first-generation students, in achieving their higher education aspirations. Common App is actively working towards a 'moonshot goal' to significantly increase the number of applicants from low- and middle-income communities by 2030, striving to make the college admissions journey more simple, logical, joyful, and equitable. The platform offers distinct applications for first-year and transfer admissions, allowing students to complete one application online and submit it to multiple chosen schools, though some institutions may require school-specific supplemental materials.