Let’s Tackle the Common App: Understanding (and Utilizing) the Platform with Confidence and Clarity
The Common App (and all its sections)
As September comes to a close, the admissions world starts to swirl with application season on the horizon. One tool that simplifies this part of the journey, but may appear confusing at first, is the Common Application (or, more often known as the Common App).
If you’re a parent to a senior, or a high school senior yourself, you are likely to get acquainted with the platform pretty soon, if not already. But the Common App is more than an online form. At its core, it’s the vehicle students use to pause, reflect, and share their story in a way that connects who they are today with the opportunities they hope to pursue in the future.
So, let’s dig into what it is and what purpose it serves as you embark on this next phase of the college search and prepare to hit that fateful “send” on your Common App.
What is the Common App?
The Common App is a centralized online application system used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide. Instead of filling out a separate application for each school, students can complete one application and send it to multiple institutions.
Originally launched in 1975 as a paper form shared by just 15 colleges, the Common App has grown into the most widely used application platform in the U.S. Over the years, it has expanded to include tools for tracking deadlines, requesting recommendations, and exploring colleges.
In short: the Common App’s mission is to level the playing field while making the application process more accessible to all students.
Breaking Down the Sections
The Common App can be divided into key sections. Each serves a different purpose, and together they create a full picture of your academic story, extracurricular passions, and personal growth. Here’s a breakdown of what it includes and how to use it to your advantage:
Profile & Family
This section covers demographic details and family background. Colleges use this context to understand each student’s environment and opportunities.
Parent Tip: Be ready to provide household information, parent occupations, and education history.
Education
Here, students list their high school, classes, GPA, and any honors or programs. Counselors later upload transcripts, but this section highlights the academic foundation.
Why It Matters: Colleges look at both performance and course rigor within the context of what the school offers.
Testing
This is where students self-report SAT, ACT, or AP/IB scores. With many schools now test-optional, families should think strategically about whether to include scores.
Tip: Research each college’s policy and compare your scores to their middle 50% range before deciding.
Activities
Students can enter up to ten activities including clubs, jobs, sports, volunteering, or independent projects. They’ll describe their role, time commitment, and impact.
Insight: Students are limited to 150 characters per activity, so make each description (and word) count. Prioritize activities in order of importance and ensure it fits into the broader narrative you are writing about who you are not just as a student, but a person and future contributing member of society.
Remember: This one has become increasingly important to admissions officers over the years, so spend some time here and don’t sell yourself short!
Writing
The Personal Essay gives students a chance to share their voice beyond numbers. Colleges may also require supplemental essays unique to their institution. Behind academics, your Personal Statement plays a pivotal role in your admissions decision.
Encouragement for Students: Authenticity matters more than “perfection.” Tell a story that feels true to you. If there’s a certain experience or attribute that the rest of your application hasn’t touched on, this is your place to make it shine. Admissions committees are looking for those intangible parts of who you are, which is often captured in your writing, so try to paint a clear picture of what you want them to know.
Courses and Recommendations
Students enter their senior year classes and request recommendation letters directly through the platform. Certain colleges require 1-3 letters of recommendation from a teacher or advocate, while others place no emphasis on recommendations and do not consider them at all.
Parent Reminder: Encourage your student to ask recommenders early and include a “Brag Sheet” to assist. Always send thank-you notes afterward to express your gratitude.
Timing: When to Start the Common App
The Common App opens each year on August 1, when the new version is released. This aligns with the senior year application cycle.
When to Create an Account: Students can sign up anytime at www.commonapp.org. Creating an account before August 1 is encouraged since information entered will roll over to the next cycle.
Best Time to Start: Early summer before senior year. This gives students a head start on essays, activities lists, and familiarizing themselves with the platform.
Helpful Resources:
Common App Ready Video Tutorials – Short, easy-to-follow guides.
Common App Parent Guide – Designed specifically for families.
General YouTube walkthroughs – Helpful for visual learners.
As You Move Ahead
The Common App may feel like a tall task at first, but when broken down by section, it offers students an opportunity to share their story piece by piece until the full picture emerges.
For parents, your role is to provide gentle support, encouragement, and reminders along the way. For students, your role is to be honest, thorough, and proud of what you’ve accomplished.
When approached with thoughtfulness, the Common App becomes more than a submission portal, but a window into all the opportunity that lies ahead in college and beyond. This is the first of many exciting moments in your college career. So move forward with the clarity and confidence you’ve earned, and deserve.
