The Common App: A Complete Guide (2024-2025 Edition)

For the past 14 years, an expert team of Collegewise college counselors put their brilliant minds together to publish a Guide to the Common App. In addition to providing step-by-step, section-by-section instructions and advice, they research and make notes of all the ways the Common App changed since the previous application cycle. Each year this comprehensive guide to the Common App is used by students, parents, teachers and educators across the nation. This year is no exception; since our 2024-2025 Guide to the Common App went live in September 2024, it has been downloaded (for FREE!) by over 20,000 students, parents, and educators since we created this annual resource.

The Common App may feel daunting, but this blog is a great place to help you get started. We’ll cover the key points of the Common App, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide additional insights on how to make your Common App the best it can be. 

The advice shared in this blog and the Common App Guide is the same advice Collegewise has used with more than 30,000+ students who have successfully gained admission to their best-fit colleges. Students should craft a strong application that confidently captures their story. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents:

• What is the Common App?
• How is the Common App different this year? (2024-2025)
• What are the different sections of the Common App?
• When does the Common App open?
• What is the Common App deadline?
• Common App Essay Prompts (2025-2026)
• Crafting Great Common App Essays
• Common App Tips from Experts
• FAQs on the Common App
• Our Final Thoughts

What is the Common App?

The Common App is a standardized online application platform used by over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. It allows students to apply to multiple institutions with one application, streamlining what can often be a complicated and time-consuming process.

At its core, the Common App is designed to simplify college admissions by providing a common framework for students to present their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal background. Each individual college also has a section that is specific to them. The application is divided into several sections, each serving a distinct purpose (which we’ll dive into next!)

We advise that the earlier students get started, the better. The Common App becomes available for that application cycle on August 1st. However, students are able to create their Common App accounts at any point, even before they’re officially applying to schools. Creating an account early can allow ample time to become familiar with the sections, gather materials, and get a headstart.

How is the Common App different this year? (2024-2025)

Over the past decade, the Common App has seen several changes designed to make the college application process smoother and more accessible for students. While some updates have been subtle, others have significantly impacted how students approach their applications. For instance, in recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on inclusivity, with the introduction of more flexible gender identity options and the ability to report on experiences and activities that fall outside traditional academic and extracurricular categories.

More recently, the Common App has evolved in response to major shifts in the college admissions landscape. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted almost all colleges to adopt test-optional policies. Now, close to 80% of U.S. institutions still hold some version of a test-optional policy. The Common App now asks applicants if they “wish to report” test scores, a subtle but important shift in language that allows students to not report their SAT, ACT, or any other standardized test scores if they choose not to.

Another hot topic is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in college admissions. Can you use AI on your Common App? Should you? Collegewise understands the powerful tool that AI can be for students. However, remember there is a fine line between using AI to help and using it in a fraudulent way. Not sure where the line is? The Common App has a Fraud Policy that explicitly discusses the use of AI.

Changes crop up on the Common App every year. You should be aware of how these changes may influence your ability to tell your story. The Collegewise Guide to the Common App offers insights and tips on many of the more complex areas that may stump you. You’re also encouraged to use the guides and resources that come straight from the Common App.

What are the different sections of the Common App?

The Common App is structured to provide a holistic picture of who you are as both a student and an individual. Each section presents opportunities for you to shape your overall narrative. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself! Your achievements, background, and the things that make you you are exactly what colleges hope to learn. Below is an overview and discussion of the primary purpose of each section of the Common App:

• Profile: This section covers your personal information, including your name, address, and citizenship. It sets the foundation for the rest of your application, ensuring that colleges have accurate and up-to-date details about you. See page 13 of our guide for an explanation of how to fill out each piece of this section. Insider’s tip: The Common App asks some questions, for example race and ethnicity, strictly for data tracking purposes, and the answers never reach the colleges for consideration in the review of your application.
• Family: Here, you'll provide details about your family background, such as your parent/guardian educational history and occupation. This section, which you can read more about on page 18 of our guide, helps colleges understand the context in which you've achieved your academic and extracurricular milestones. 
• Education: This is where you list your high school(s), concurrent college enrollment, current or most recent classes, and academic performance. Colleges use this section in conjunction with the academic credentials submitted with your application (e.g. transcripts). They’re looking for your academic preparedness and how well you've challenged yourself in your coursework. Have a unique educational background or a question on how to complete this section? Check out page 21 of our guide for a breakdown of how to answer the questions in this section.
• Testing: If you’ve taken standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams, you can report your scores here. While many schools have adopted test-optional policies, this section remains important for those who choose to submit their scores. See page 29 of our guide for even more information on standardized testing in the post-pandemic world, reporting scores, and what test optional really means.
• Activities: The Activities section is your chance to showcase the meaningful ways you spend your time. Whether it’s sports, clubs, a part-time job, supporting your family, or volunteering, this section highlights your interests and commitments. Don’t hesitate to look for additional information on how to fill out this section on the Common App’s YouTube or head to page 33 of our guide for more information.
• Writing: This critical section includes your personal essay and any additional information or context not covered elsewhere in your application. The main essay is your opportunity to share your distinctive voice and demonstrate your values. If you get stuck, read through our past blog, How to Start a Personal Statement Essay or read on to the next section of this blog!
  • Additional Information: This is an optional subsection to Writing which allows you to share anything else that may not fit into the other sections. It’s particularly useful if you’ve faced challenges or have unique circumstances that you want to explain to admissions officers. Wondering if or how you should fill this out? You know the drill - head to page 41 of our guide.
• Courses & Grades: In this section, you recreate your transcript(s), both high school and college, if applicable. Not all colleges use this section; here’s a list of schools that do use Courses & Grades. The section sometimes helps colleges expedite the review of applications, not having to wait for submission of official transcripts. On page 45 of our guide you’ll get step-by-step instructions and advice on avoiding common mistakes when filling out the Courses & Grades section.  
• School-specific Questions: Each college is going to have their own set of questions to answer before pushing ‘submit’ on their specific application. These questions range from what application deadline you’re applying under and your choice of major, to the school’s supplemental essays. Page 46 of our guide will cover advice on some of the most common questions you’ll run into and how to approach them.

Each section of the Common App serves a specific purpose, and together, they help colleges gain a holistic view of who you are. In our guide, we provide detailed advice on how to approach each section, along with examples and tips to ensure that your application stands out.

When does the Common App open?

The Common App is open 11 months out of the year; the site closes for about 3 - 4 weeks prior to the launch of a new application cycle. An application cycle begins August 1st, and allows for the Common App to be submitted at any point within the cycle. For example, we are currently in the 2024 - 2025 application cycle when most students are applying to colleges with the intention to enroll and start school in fall of 2025, or maybe spring 2026.

When does the Common App open for the class of 2025? The 2025–2026 Common Application launches on August 1, 2025.

That said, a student (or parent, teacher, counselor, etc.) can open a Common App account at any point. At Collegewise, we recommend opening an account early. There’s no harm in familiarizing yourself with the platform. Plus, you can explore different schools and start building the list of applications you plan to submit. If you start filling out sections, just make sure to review the Common App account rollover instructions so you don’t inadvertently lose any of your work.

What is the Common App deadline?

When should you submit your Common App? Each college or university sets its own college application deadline(s), typically falling between November 1st and January 15th, depending on whether you're applying for early action, early decision, or regular decision. Be sure to check each school’s specific deadlines on their admissions website or through the Common App itself.

Common App Essay Prompts (2025-2026)

Each year, the Common App provides several essay prompts to help guide your personal statement. These prompts are designed to elicit reflective and meaningful responses, encouraging students to share personal stories and insights.

Here are the 2025-2026 Common App essay prompts:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Each prompt gives you the flexibility to choose a story that showcases your personal growth, passion, and resilience. Consider which one resonates most with your experiences and allows you to reveal your authentic self. For more advice on how to approach these prompts, be sure to check out our guide.

Crafting Great Common App Essays

Your personal essay is one of the most important parts of your Common App. It provides a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and the experiences that have shaped you. While your grades and test scores offer insight into your academic abilities, your personal  essay reveals who you are beyond the numbers.

Why the Essay Matters

Colleges use essays to understand an applicant’s character and how they think. A well-written essay can distinguish you from other applicants by highlighting your individuality and passion. When your application is composed of a lot of materials that speak for you, like your transcripts and recommendations, your essay is your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee, to add a personal touch on an otherwise very transactional process.

Ideas and Topics That Make a Great Essay

A great Common App essay is authentic, reflective, and specific. Consider writing about a meaningful experience that has had a lasting impact on you, such as a challenge you’ve overcome, a significant learning moment, or a passion you’ve pursued. Topics that showcase your growth, resilience, and commitment to your values are always strong choices.

To stand out, focus on a story that only you can tell. Avoid clichés and overused themes; instead, delve into the details of your unique experiences and how those experiences have impacted you since then. Admissions officers appreciate essays that are thoughtful and honest, where your voice comes through clearly.

Remember that there are plenty of resources available online to help you brainstorm ideas and make a decision on what to write your essays about, so watch some videos, read some articles, tune into a webinar, speak with a school counselor, or have a brainstorming session with close friends or family members if you get stuck! 

Ideas and Topics to Avoid

Almost any essay can be written well if you follow the advice above. Be authentic and choose a topic you feel truly represents the core of who you are. If you’re worried your topic might be overused, like “the sports essay” or “the volunteer trip essay”, push yourself to find your unique perspective. Essays to avoid are usually those where the student spends too much time summarizing, shares only surface-level reflections, or writes what they think the college admissions officer is going to want to hear. The topic itself isn’t the issue in these essays. It’s the lack of personal depth and intention. Additionally, avoid focusing too much on other people. While it’s fine to mention someone who has influenced you, make sure the essay remains centered on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Common App Tips from Experts

To craft a standout Common App, it’s helpful to learn from those who have guided countless students through the process. Our team of experts has compiled a list of tips to help you create a strong and memorable application.

Don’t Ignore the Basics

1. Start Early: It’s been mentioned in the blog already, but there’s no downside to starting on your Common App early. A longer runway eases stress under pressure and improves your ability to be thoughtful and thorough.
2. It’s All In the Details: From confirming you’ve entered your email address correctly to double-checking for typos in your essays, you should take the time to get the details right. You’re entering a lot of information; mistakes can happen. Make sure you’re reviewing each section and having a trusted person in your life do a review, too.
3. Use your resources: If you ever feel confused or overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone or doing anything wrong! There are free, accessible resources, like the Collegewise Guide to the Common App, that can help.

Writing a Unique and Genuine Essay

1. Be Yourself: Admissions officers are looking for authenticity. Write about what genuinely matters to you, even if it seems like a small or unconventional topic. Your passion will shine through if you’re writing about something you care about.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of simply stating that you’re determined or hardworking, illustrate these traits with specific examples. For instance, describe a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you persevered.
3. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise. A rushed essay often lacks depth and polish. Starting early allows you to refine your thoughts and improve your writing over time.

Common Essay Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Avoid Clichés: Phrases like “It was a dream come true” or “I learned that hard work pays off” can make your essay feel generic. Instead, find unique ways to express your ideas.
2. Don’t Repeat Your Resumé: Your essay should add new dimensions to your application, not rehash what admissions officers can already see in your activity list or academic records.
3. Be Mindful of Tone: While it’s important to be genuine, avoid being overly casual or using humor that could be misunderstood. Maintain a tone that reflects the seriousness of the application process, like you’re talking to your favorite teacher or a trusted mentor.

FAQs on the Common App

Navigating the Common Application can raise a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first time using the platform. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you through the process:

When Should Students Sign Up for the Common App?

You can sign up any time! Your Common App account will rollover from year to year, though you should be aware that information from some sections will not. To ensure you don’t lose any information, read up on the account rollover process. Our recommendation is to open your Common App account, and even start filling out some of the basic sections, sometime in your junior year of high school. This gives you plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the platform, explore colleges and universities on the Common App, and begin working on your application. Starting early allows you to pace yourself and reduces the pressure as deadlines approach.

Which Schools Use the Common App?

The Common App is accepted by over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide, including many of the most selective institutions. You can search for schools directly on the Common App website to see if your target colleges accept it. It’s a great tool for students applying to multiple schools, as it streamlines the application process by allowing you to submit one application to several colleges.

How Do You Fill Out the Activities Section?

The Activities section is where you list your extracurricular activities, work experience, and any other ways you’ve spent significant time during high school. Be sure to prioritize your most meaningful activities and describe them in a way that highlights your role and achievements. Use clear and concise language, and try to quantify your impact where possible (e.g., “Led a team of 10 students to organize a charity event that raised $5,000”).

*Remember, for more help on how to fill out this section, check out page 33 of our guide! 

Can I Submit My Applications Before My Recommendations Are Done?

Yes, you can submit your application even if your recommendations are not complete yet. However, check each school’s policy on this. Your recommenders can submit their letters after you’ve submitted your application, but it’s important to ensure they’re aware of the deadlines and have ample time to complete their part. Keep in communication with your recommenders to avoid any last-minute issues!

How Do You Put Personal Projects on the Common App?

If you’ve worked on personal projects, such as building a website, writing a book, or starting a small business, the best place to showcase them on the Common App is in the Activities section. When filling out this section, you can categorize your project under relevant activity types such as “Academic” or “Career Oriented.” Be sure to describe your role in the project, the skills you gained, and any measurable outcomes (e.g., the number of users for a website or revenue generated for a business). Personal projects demonstrate initiative and creativity, so make sure to highlight what makes your work unique.

Can You Put Self-Studying (e.g. Math) on Your Common App?

Yes, you can absolutely include self-studying on your Common App! In the Activities section, you can categorize self-study under "Academic" or another more specialized option, like “Science/Math” or “Foreign Language.” Describe what subjects or areas you’ve focused on, the resources you’ve used, and the time commitment. It’s also helpful to explain the motivation behind your self-study and any achievements, such as preparing for an exam or mastering a challenging topic. Self-studying shows dedication and a proactive approach to learning, both of which are valued by admissions officers.

What Level is Cum Laude in Common App?

Cum laude is a Latin honor that indicates a student graduated with academic distinction. In the Common App, you can list this honor, or any other academic honor/award/recognition, under the Honors subsection in the Education section. It’s important to indicate the specific parameters of the honor and what you did to achieve it. Note that the Honors subsection in the Education section of the Common App is intended for academic honors and awards. Any extracurricular or non-academic honors or awards you’ve received should be included in the Activities section.

How Do I Establish Early Decision on the Common App?

When applying to a college via Early Decision on the Common App, you’ll need to indicate this preference in the Questions section for that individual school. Schools that offer Early Decision will have a specific checkbox or option for you to select. Additionally, you’ll need to electronically sign the Early Decision Agreement, which confirms that you understand the binding nature of the commitment. A parent/guardian and a school counselor/administrator are also required to sign the Early Decision Agreement. Make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the school before committing to Early Decision, as it’s a significant decision that requires a binding agreement to enroll if accepted.

How Do You Submit Your SAT Scores in Common App? 

You are able to self-report your SAT/ACT score(s) in the Testing section of the Common App. It’s important to note that some schools may also require official scores sent directly from the testing agency (e.g. College Board for the SAT). We recommend checking the testing requirements for each of the schools you are applying to and requesting official test scores no later than one month ahead of application deadlines to ensure they reach that school’s admissions office in time.

Our Final Thoughts

As you embark on the journey of completing your Common App, remember that this is your opportunity to present yourself authentically and thoroughly. We’ve covered the key sections of the Common App and provided insights into what makes a strong application. Our 2024-2025 Common App Guide delves even deeper, offering practical advice, examples, and tips to help you at every step of the way. If a written guide is not for you, you can also watch our Common App webinar where Collegewise counselors review everything you need to know about the 2024 - 2025 Common App.

Crafting a standout application is more than just filling in the blanks; it’s about telling your story with intention that leads to an application only YOU could submit. Whether you’re polishing your essays, organizing your activities, or seeking advice on how to approach each section, our guide is here to support you.

Still have questions about the Common App or other college admissions topics? Grab a spot at one of our upcoming free college admissions webinars and ask our experts directly! We host weekly webinars on a variety of topics.

If you’re looking for additional insight from an experienced college counselor that can offer support throughout the entire application and admissions process, schedule a free consultation with us. The college application process can be stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Utilize the resources available to you, seek guidance when needed, and give yourself the time to create an application that truly reflects who you are. Best of luck on your college admissions journey!

About Us: With more than twenty years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.