Fiscal Year 2024 Annual report

The annual report reviews the organization’s activities, achievements, and financial performance for the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. It highlights strategic initiatives, research, and programs aimed at increasing access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process.

Common App continued its mission to expand college access for students from diverse backgrounds. Several key initiatives and programs shaped the year’s work:

• Next Chapter initiative: Launched to close the equity gap for students from low- and middle-income communities by 2030, building on the organization’s founding mission to increase access to higher education.
• Record application growth: First-generation applicants increased by 5%, applicants from below median income ZIP codes grew by 12%, and underrepresented minority applicants rose by 11%.
• The Direct Admissions program: 71 member institutions sent proactive admission offers to over 400,000 first-generation and low- and middle-income students, with three out of four students who added a school to their list applying to that institution.
• Student Context Pilot: In partnership with Harvard’s Making Caring Common, 21% of applicants were able to provide additional context about work, family responsibilities, or caregiving, with 60% submitting at least one response.
• Financial support and scholarships: Nearly $155 million in application fees were waived for eligible students, and over $4.8 million in scholarships were awarded to underrepresented and fee-waiver eligible students through partnerships like Scholarship America.
• Research and insights: Analysis of first-generation students and trends following the end of race-conscious admissions provided actionable insights for members and the broader admissions community.

These efforts underscore Common App’s commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering inclusivity in higher education through strategic initiatives and collaborative work.