How to Make Your Common App A Lot Less Common 2025-2026

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The 2025-2026 Common App Just Got Easier!

It's back! This year's guide has the latest updates and advice from experts that will allow you to navigate the Common App confidently.

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See What's Inside The Guide

For 26 years, Collegewise has been America's premier college counseling company, focused on helping students navigate the college admissions process with less stress and more success. It's now an annual tradition for us to create this guide to help students complete the Common App, a universal application used by 1,000+ colleges and universities around the world. We've worked in lockstep with Common App on this guide to ensure that you won't get conflicting advice.

✅ Application Prep: Discover how to create an account and fill in the Common App from start to finish.

✅ Planning Ahead: Learn how to approach Common App sections effectively and how students from as early as 9th grade can start prepping for their application.

✅ Submit your Application: Explore a complete checklist of tasks to tackle before and after submitting your application, and find out how to update your Common App post-submission.

✅ Extra Goodies: 30+ additional resources and tip sheets that have helped thousands of families navigate the process.

Who is This Guide For?

Students

Students in grades 9-12! This guide offers 65 pages of guidance to help you craft your very best Common App. We think you'll be amazed by what a difference even small (but smart) tweaks will make to your application.

Parents & Guardians

Is your teen applying through the Common App? Our guide offers an in-depth look at the Common Application process and how your family can best prepare for application requirements, testing submissions, extracurricular activities, financial aid, and more. You'll want to share this guide with your teen.

Counselors

Collegewise is dedicated to helping school and independent counselors navigate the intricacies of the Common App and better support their students. Access the most current and reliable advice on mastering the Common App process.