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 3,000 people.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
Writing a Unique and Genuine Essay
Common Essay Pitfalls to Avoid
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.