The Common Application, or Common App for short, is a centralized platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application. The Common App opens for the 2025-2026 application cycle on August 1, 2024. This is the date when students can begin creating their accounts and filling out their applications. The deadline to submit the Common App varies by institution, but most deadlines fall between November 1st and January 1st.
The Common App offers a number of benefits to students, including the ability to apply to multiple schools with just one application, the ability to track their applications online, and the ability to receive updates from schools they have applied to. In addition, the Common App offers a number of resources to help students with the college application process, including a database of colleges and universities, a library of essays, and a team of counselors who can answer questions and provide guidance.