The Common Application is a widely used online platform that streamlines the application process for students applying to multiple colleges and universities in the US. It allows students to fill out a single application and submit it to multiple institutions simultaneously. The Common Application simplifies and streamlines the college application process, making it more efficient for students and admissions offices alike.
Over the last 10 years, Crimson has helped over 4,500 students to gain admission to top 50 US universities. Now we are showcasing some of our outstanding students’ achievements for you to see. Through our Common App database you can see what some of our students did in high school to get into their dream university.
All you need to do is click on the profile below that interests you, and you will be able to see the student’s high school academic record, extracurricular activities and honors. To access the complete list and essays, you just need to sign in once and you can continue browsing through our impressive list of students.
Engineering
Academics
SAT:
1600
SAT Subject Tests:
800
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Undecided
Academics
SAT Subject Tests:
800
ACT :
40
IB Subjects:
45
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Business and Technology Management
Academics
SAT:
1520
SAT Subject Tests:
Out of 800
AP:
Out of 5
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Psychology
Academics
SAT:
1500
SAT Subject Tests:
800
IELTS:
8.5
Honors & Awards
4Extracurriculars
10English Language and Literature
Academics
SAT:
1520
SAT Subject Tests:
Out of 800
AP:
Out of 5
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Computer Science
Academics
SAT:
1550
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Mathematics
Academics
SAT:
1510
A Level Subjects:
Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Physics (A*), Economics (A*/A), Spanish Language (A)
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Information Science
Academics
SAT :
800
AP Subjects:
World History (3), Computer Science Principles (4), Calculus BC (5), Calculus BC-AB Subscore Grade (5), Chemistry (3)
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Economics
Academics
Class Rank:
3 / 180
Predicted ATAR Score:
99.7
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Economics
Academics
AP Subjects:
Calculus AB (4)
Honors & Awards
2Extracurriculars
10Bioengineering
Academics
SAT:
1550
IB Subjects:
Mathematics-HL (7), Chemistry-HL (7), Biology-HL (7), Local Language SL (7), English A-SL (7), English A-SL (7), Psychology-SL (7)
Honors & Awards
5Extracurriculars
10Computer Science
Academics
SAT:
1510
Honors & Awards
4Extracurriculars
10What is the Common Application (Common App)?
The Common Application is a widely used online platform that streamlines the application process for students applying to multiple colleges and universities in the US. It allows students to fill out a single application and submit it to multiple institutions simultaneously.
How many colleges and universities accept the Common App?
Over 1,000 universities across the United States and many other countries accept the Common App.
Is the Common App only for US colleges?
No. Several universities in the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia accept the Common App.
What is the Common App fee, and how can it be paid?
While the platform itself is free to use, each college can choose how much to charge (usually $30 to $75 for U.S. applicants and more for international applicants), and whether or not they charge a fee at all. Fee payment options for applicants consist of credit card, eCheck, Common App fee waiver, and member-specific fee waiver.
Is there a fee waiver option available?
You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. If you select that you are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, you will not be charged any application fees when you submit through Common App.
Can international students use the Common App?
Yes. Students from over 200 countries use the Common App to apply to college each year.
Is the Common App available in languages other than English?
No. Currently, the Common App is only available in the English language.
What is the difference between the Common App and the Coalition App?
Both the Common App and Coalition App help streamline the college application process. The Common App partners with more schools, allowing greater access for students. The Coalition App primarily targets students from historically underrepresented groups.
How do I create a Common App account?
You can create a Common App account even if you don’t plan on applying for another few months or another few years. You can answer questions in the Common App tab and build a college list at any time. You can follow these steps:
Can I use the Common App for transfer applications?
Yes. Common App for transfer supports:
When does the Common App open for applications?
The Common App opens on August 1 each year, meaning this is the earliest date students can submit their application. You can still create an account before this date and fill in your details.
What are the application deadlines for the Common App?
Your application deadlines will be based on the universities you choose to apply to. These will be displayed on your Dashboard. If you're applying early action or early decision, most schools will require you to submit your application around November 1. Regular decision applications are generally due by January 1.
What is the difference in Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission?
Students who apply to a school Early Action will submit their applications before the regular deadline and will be informed of their admissions decisions soon after.
Early Decision plans work very similarly to Early Action, in that students will submit their applications before the Regular Decision deadline and receive their admissions decisions soon after. The most significant difference between these two plans is that Early Decision is binding, which means that any student who applies and is admitted to a school through Early Decision is expected to enroll.
Regular Decision is the most common way to apply where you submit your application in January and hear back by April about your decision.
In Rolling Admission, each college has an application window where applications are accepted and reviewed “as they roll in.” Just like in regular decision admissions, this window will vary from one rolling admission school to another. In general, rolling admissions colleges will accept applications from fall until late spring or until the class is filled.
How do I search for and add colleges to my Common App?
You may add a college using the add button in the search results list. You can also select a college and add them using the "Add to My Colleges" button from their info screen. Once you've added colleges, you can see them on your Dashboard and in your My Colleges tab.
Can I apply to multiple colleges using the Common App?
Yes. You can add a maximum of 20 colleges and apply to them.
How do I know if a college requires supplemental essays or materials?
In the writing section of your Common App tab, you will see a table that lists each college's requirements.
What are the Common App essay prompts, and is the essay mandatory?
For the past three years the Common App essay prompts have been the same. However, this might change in the future. The prompts for the last application cycle were:
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, then please share your story.
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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.
Colleges can either make the personal essay optional or required. In the writing section of your Common App tab, you will see a table that lists each college's requirements.
What is the word limit for the Common App essay?
The exact word limit for the Common App essay has varied somewhat over the years, but the current range is 250-650 words.
Can I customize my Common App essay for different colleges?
Technically, yes. You can change the essay for those universities where you have not submitted the application. But for universities already applied to, you cannot make any changes.
How do I invite my teachers and counselors to submit recommendations?
How to invite and assign recommenders:
Note that teachers, parents, and other recommenders will not receive an email invitation until you assign them to a college. To assign these recommenders, go to their section within this screen. Select their name from the dropdown and use the assign button.
Can I submit my application before my recommenders submit their letters?
You are allowed to submit your application before your counselor or teachers submit their school forms whether they choose to do so online or on paper.
How can I track the status of my application?
The icons on your Dashboard are there to guide your way. A green check means your work has been submitted to that particular college, a yellow circle means your application is still in progress, and a red dash means that a particular section is not required for admission to that college.
Can I make changes to my application after submitting it?
No. Once an application or writing supplement has been submitted to any institution, you cannot make any changes to that application.
What should I do if I made a mistake on my application?
If you need to change information on a submitted application, you must contact the college's admissions office directly to ask how they would like you to proceed.
What web browsers are compatible with the Common App?
The following browsers are supported by the Common App:
How do I reset my Common App password?
After you sign in, you can update your email address and password using account settings. Access account settings by selecting your avatar in the header. If you know your email address, but not your password, you can also use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign in page to reset your password.
What should I do if my Common App account is locked?
If your account has been locked after a number of unsuccessful attempts, a message will be sent to the email address linked with your account with instructions on how to unlock it.
If you don't have access to the email address linked with your Common App account, please get in touch with the Solutions Center by clicking the "Contact Support" button.
How can I retrieve a deleted Common App account?
Deleting your Common App account is permanent and cannot be undone. Account deletion removes all your data stored with Common App. It does not remove data and submitted applications stored by colleges or other organizations.
What should I do if the Common App website is not working or pages are not loading properly?
Updating your web browser should usually resolve this issue. However, if the problem persists, please get in touch with the Solutions Center by clicking the "Contact Support" button.
What are some tips for writing a compelling Common App essay?
Writing a compelling Common App essay can greatly enhance your college application. Here are some tips to help you create a strong and engaging essay:
Check out our in-depth articles on answering the Common App essay prompts.
At Crimson, we support our students with every part of the personal statement building process - from brainstorming and narrowing down possible topics to crafting, building, editing and refining the essay. For more individualized, exclusive information from admissions experts, book a consultation now to start your journey to your dream university.
How can I make my application stand out?
Making your Common App stand out requires showcasing your unique qualities and making a lasting impression on the admissions officers. Here are some strategies to help you achieve that:
Crimson Education is the world’s most successful US/UK university admissions consultancy, with our students up to 4x more likely to gain acceptance to the best — and most competitive — universities in the world. For more individualized, exclusive information from admissions experts, book a consultation now to start your journey to your dream university.
Where can I find help if I have questions or issues with the Common App?
If you need guidance or have questions while going through the process, the Common App Help Center is the place to start.
What is the role of high school counselors in the Common App process?
Counselors bring an added dimension to a student’s application. They provide a view of an applicant within the context of an entire graduating class and school community, addressing a student’s academic achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and personal interests and goals, without repeating what is in the application.