Common Application

The college application process can be an overwhelming experience for high school seniors. The thought of having to apply to multiple colleges, fill out numerous forms, and write countless essays can seem daunting. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem: the Common Application.

First launched in 1975, the Common Application is a non-profit organization that allows students to apply to over 900 colleges and universities with just one application. This means that students can enter their personal and academic information, including extracurricular activities and essays, once and submit it to multiple schools.

The Common Application has made the college application process more streamlined and convenient. It saves both students and colleges time and effort because it eliminates the need for repetitive applications and reduces the number of documents admissions offices need to process.

In addition to simplifying the application process, the Common Application promotes equity in college admissions by reducing some common barriers to applying, such as the high cost of applying to multiple schools. The Common Application also allows students to apply to more schools than they may have been able to without this service.

The Common Application is continually evolving to better serve students and colleges, but one of the features that has remained constant is the essay portion. The essay is an opportunity for students to express themselves beyond their test scores and transcripts. It allows students to highlight their personality, passions, and goals.

The Common Application essay prompts change each year, which makes the process more exciting for students. The essay prompts are designed to encourage students to reflect on their experiences and demonstrate their unique qualities. This is a chance for students to showcase what sets them apart from others and further personalize their application.

The Common Application has also addressed some of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to school closures and the cancellation of standardized tests, the Common Application has made some modifications to the application process for the 2020-2021 admission cycle.

For example, the application allows for self-reported test scores and has added additional space for students to explain how their education may have been impacted by the pandemic. The Common Application has also provided a COVID-19 question in the extracurricular activities section, which allows students to explain any relevant activities or experiences.

Despite these changes, students can still rely on the Common Application to help guide them through the application process. The organization provides guidance and support to students, such as webinars, tutorials, and a help center.

In conclusion, the Common Application has revolutionized the college application process. The organization’s mission to promote equity in education and reduce barriers is commendable. Students are no longer limited by the number of colleges they can apply to, and colleges can focus on building a diverse and inclusive student body. The essay portion remains an opportunity for students to highlight their achievements and personalities, while also giving admissions officers a more comprehensive view of the applicant. The Common Application’s continued evolution and ability to adapt to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure that it will remain a valuable tool for students for years to come.