Want to save yourself from hours of unnecessary work and a major tension headache?
If you’re applying to college this year and feeling overwhelmed by the Common App — what it is, how it works, and what’s different this year — you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Common Application, including:
- What it is
- How to use it effectively
- And the most important updates for the 2024–2025 college application cycle
And, we’ll do our best to make it painless. For rising seniors or anyone already working on applications, this information could save your semester!
Ready to dive in? First, we’ll tackle each section of the Common App, then we’ll learn about the key dates for submission, and finally, we’ll discover how recent updates can impact your application strategy.
What is the Common App?
Before we go any further, let’s ensure we all understand exactly what the Common App is.
The Common App, short for Common Application, is a single online platform that lets you apply to over 1,000 colleges with one streamlined process. It’s designed to simplify your college application journey. Instead of completing dozens of individual applications, you fill out one main application and then send it to all the schools on your list, plus any school-specific questions or supplements they require.
The Common App is a cornerstone of college admissions for many students, due to its nearly unparalleled convenience. The other, slightly smaller alternative is the Coalition Application, which also allows students to apply to numerous institutions with one primary application. However, the Common App is still more widely used in the US.
Here are a few examples of schools that use the Common App:
- NYU
- University of Michigan
- Boston University
- Stanford
- You can find the full list of schools here.
BUT, please note that not every school uses it. For example, the University of California system and CSU schools have their own applications.
Curious how your whole application is reviewed? This video provides some excellent context for what happens after you hit submit:
Common App sections:
The Common Application has several different sections, but like we said — the great news is that you can complete these once for many different colleges you want to apply to.
Here’s what you’ll fill out on the Common App:
- Profile – Your name, address, citizenship, and demographic information. This section establishes your fundamental identity for the colleges you’re applying to.
- Family – Information about your parents or guardians.
- Education – Your high school details, courses, and GPA.
- Testing (optional) – SAT/ACT scores if you choose to submit them.
- Activities – You can describe up to 10 extracurriculars, with a 150-character summary each. Colleges use this section to understand your commitments outside academics and see how you contribute to your community.
- Writing – Your 650-word personal statement. This is your opportunity to share your unique voice and story, giving admissions committees insight beyond your grades and scores.
- College-Specific Questions – Supplemental essays or short answers unique to each institution. Don’t underestimate them due to their short length; they are crucial for demonstrating your genuine interest in each specific institution.
- Honors, Courses, Disciplinary Info, and more.
Pro tip: If you have to fill out the Common App this year, complete the general sections early. This allows you to focus on supplements and more complex pieces closer to the deadlines.
Looking for more information about the sections of the college application? Check out Empowerly’s Guide to the College Application for a starter that will help you grasp the fundamentals.
When does the Common App open?
The Common Application for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle officially opens on August 1, 2024. This is the date when you can begin submitting applications for the fall 2025 semester.
However, even before August 1, you can create an account, explore the application sections, and start drafting your personal statement and other materials. This early preparation can significantly help you stay organized and reduce stress as deadlines approach.
Suggested Common App timeline for 2024–2025
- Now (June–July): Create your account, start your personal statement draft, and research your college list
- August 1: Common App officially opens — begin submitting applications
- August–September: Request recommendation letters and finalize essay drafts
- October–November: Submit applications for Early Action/Early Decision
- December–January: Submit Regular Decision applications
2025 Changes to Common App:
Let’s talk about what’s new for this college application cycle. These Common App updates are important and could affect your approach to the application.
Here’s a video walkthrough of the entire application this year:
1. No more disciplinary history question
Big change: The Common App no longer asks about school disciplinary records. This is meant to make the process more equitable for students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Expanded gender identity & name options
The platform now allows you to list your chosen name, pronouns, and more inclusive gender identity options. Colleges will see the name and identity you want them to see.
3. Fee waiver improvements
It’s now even easier to request a fee waiver, with no counselor signature required. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch or other aid, you likely qualify.
4. New colleges added
Over 20 schools joined the Common App this year, including several public universities. Always double-check your college list — your target school may be on it now.
5. Mobile-friendly experience
The Common App has improved its mobile layout, allowing you to work on your app from your phone or tablet. This is great for making edits on the go!
6. Reduced character limits for additional information
For first-year applicants, the word limit for the Additional Information question will decrease from 650 to 300 words maximum. This will require students to be more concise in their responses.
7. Improved application review process
The Common App has improved the review process for counselors and recommenders to ensure they can better track the status of documents submitted on behalf of students. They’ve also streamlined how recommenders upload documents and track them, making it easier for them to submit everything on time.
8. Updated financial aid section
The financial aid section has been updated to provide clearer guidance on how students can apply for financial assistance, especially when there are unique family situations or income sources. Some schools have even added specific fields for information about special circumstances (e.g., family layoffs, medical expenses).
Need a summary of the Common App changes?
| Update | What Changed |
| Disciplinary history | No longer asked |
| Gender identity & pronouns | Expanded, more inclusive options |
| Fee waivers | Easier access, no counselor signature needed |
| New colleges added | Over 20 new schools joined the platform as members |
| Mobile-friendly | Improved phone/tablet usability |
| Additional info word limit | Reduced from 650 ? 300 words |
| Counselor/teacher recommendation tools | More intuitive interface and upload tracking |
| Financial aid section | Clearer guidance, including space for special family circumstances |
Final tips:
Curious what an expert counselor has to say? Check out this video to hear from Jermaine on what you need to know about the Common App.
1. Reorder your activities
Place your most important activity first. This is what admissions officers see at a glance. Consider highlighting the research you’ve done, organizations you have founded, or leadership positions related to your major interest.
2. Keep a master list of essays
Track each college’s deadlines and supplemental essays. This seems simple, but you’d be surprised at how many essays and deadlines you’ll juggle during your senior year. Some schools have 4 or 5 additional prompts. You do not want to forget about one of these and have to rush to finish it up before the deadline.
3. Start early with your letters of recommendation
Reach out to teachers, counselors, or mentors early to request your letters of recommendation. This gives them plenty of time to write thoughtful and personalized letters on your behalf. Make sure to provide them with your resume or a list of achievements to make the process smoother. Starting early helps you avoid the last-minute stress and ensures the letters are as strong as possible.
4. Seek proofreaders and feedback
Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh pair of eyes. Have trusted teachers, counselors, or family members proofread your entire application, especially your essays, for clarity, grammar, and typographical errors. An error-free application reflects attention to detail and professionalism, but you don’t see your own mistakes after a while.
5. Steer clear of common pitfalls
These are three of the most common mistakes that students make on the Common App. Make sure you are prepared!
- Waiting too long to start. Procrastination leads to rushed, weaker applications.
- Reusing vague supplements. Tailor each college’s supplemental essay. Specificity shows genuine interest.
- Not using the Additional Info section strategically. If needed, use it to clarify context (like family hardship, grade trends, etc.) — but don’t repeat your essay!
Conclusion: Stay in the know
Staying informed about these updates is key to a smooth and successful application journey. You’ve now got a comprehensive guide to the Common App for 2025, including the crucial updates that can give you a real competitive edge in your college applications. Today, we’ve covered everything from understanding what the Common App is and navigating its various sections to the significant changes impacting the 2024–2025 admissions cycle.
Remember, a well-prepared and thoroughly reviewed application stands out. Utilize the tips provided: strategically reorder your activities, maintain a master list of essays and deadlines, start early on recommendation requests, and always seek feedback from trusted proofreaders. And don’t forget that we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you need personalized guidance on crafting a compelling Common App essay, refining your activity list, or navigating any other aspect of the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ready to take the next step towards your dream college? Book a call with our enrollment team today to learn more about how we can help you shine.
