International Student Guide to the Common App (Fall 2022 Applicants)

What is the Common App?

The Common Application (Common App) represents nearly 900 diverse institutions of higher education and simplifies the process required to apply to universities in the US. The common app can support first-time college applicants by creating one profile and sharing it with the colleges a student chooses to apply to. For more information read about the common app here: https://www.commonapp.org/about

Although the Common App is partnered with a majority of US based institutions, you can use their https://www.commonapp.org/explore/ to find a comprehensive list of all the universities they partner with.

Pro Tip: Not all universities are listed on the Common App so it is important for you to make a list of all the colleges you are looking to apply to and cross check which ones have their own application processes.

Who should fill out the common app?

Candidates in their final year of high school applying to college for their undergraduate degree should use the common app.

How it works:

Step 1: Create a profile on Common App. This profile includes your basic information, high school details, academics, coursework, and extracurricular activities. Think of this as everything you would like a college to know about you as an applicant.

Step 2: Create your college list. Whether you have a list in mind or need to start thinking about colleges that align with what you are looking for, the Common App allows you to look through different characteristics and add colleges to your list.

Step 3: Prepare the Requirements. After you finalize your list of colleges (don’t worry you can always add or delete when needed) you will be able to see what requirements each one has. Some universities ask for extra essays or recommendations so you can make sure to request or write the extras!

Step 4: Apply to College! Once you have all the requirements filled out you can submit your applications. Celebrate the process and get excited to hear back.

When is the common app due?

The following table summarizes the most common college application deadlines for various application options, such as early action and regular decision. To see the exact dates for specific colleges see Common Apps Deadline Guide https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf

What materials do I need?

• A copy of your high school transcript

• A list of your extracurricular activities, work experience, family responsibilities, or activities to highlight your individuality.

• Test scores (SATs, ACTs, TOFEL, etc)

• Parent/Legal guardian information

• Academic honors and achievements

• College-specific Information (some colleges have different requirements for the following)

• Deadlines

• Application fees

• Personal essay

• Courses & grades

• Test policy

• Writing supplements

• https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/writing-requirements this list provides all the writing requirements by college

• Recommendations