Apply to college
Apply to college
Whether you're applying to college for the first time or transferring to complete your degree, here’s how to get started on your college application.
Apply to college
Whether you're applying to college for the first time or transferring to complete your degree, here’s how to get started on your college application.
Apply to college
Apply to college
Whether you're applying to college for the first time or transferring to complete your degree, here’s how to get started on your college application.
What is Common App?
Each year, more than 1 million students apply to more than 1,100 Common App member colleges worldwide through our online college application platform.
Follow the steps below to get started, or visit our first-year and transfer application guides for more information.
How it works
Create your profile
Your Common App profile is your chance to shine. It’s everything you want a college or university to know about you - from your academic coursework to your extracurricular activities.
Add colleges to your list
Now you get to decide what’s most important to you in a college or university. Search through the characteristics and add colleges that align with them.
Gather requirements
Once you’ve decided where you want to apply, make a checklist of everything required. Each college and university is different, so make sure you stay on top of their application requirements.
Submit applications
Be sure to take a moment to celebrate this huge accomplishment! And remember to finish the academic year on a high note, apply for financial aid and prepare for the future.
Want something you can keep or share? Download a printable at-a-glance overview about Common App.
Receive admission offers from colleges
Through Common App’s Direct Admissions program and state partnership programs, first-year students may receive admission offers directly in their applications. Making the path to college faster and simpler with no extra steps or separate portals.
Thinking about transferring schools?
Common App for transfer meets students right where they are, making it easier for community college and independent students to start their next chapter. Learn more about the transfer process, how to fund your journey, and materials you’ll need to create your Common App for transfer account.
The application guides
Now that you know what to expect from the process, you’re ready to apply. We’ve created two simple guides, one for first-year and one for transfer applicants.
For first-time students
Use this guide if you’re in high school and intend to apply as a first-time full-time freshman. It will walk you through the application process from start to finish.
For transfer students
If you’re looking to transfer to a four-year institution or intend to restart your college journey, this is the place to get started.
Student toolkits
Whether students are starting their college journey or continuing it, these toolkits help provide the resources needed to succeed.
For first-time students
A toolkit for offering guidance, best practices, and resources to support first-year students through the college application process.
For transfer students
A toolkit for students with resources to help navigate the transfer application process.
How to write a great Common App essay
Your Common App essay is your chance to go beyond grades and test scores to share your story. The prompts offer the opportunity to show colleges who you are and how you’ll contribute to your future campus. Watch Jen and Emma from the Common App team break down all seven prompts and share insights to help you write an authentic, memorable essay.
View the essay prompts.
Next steps you can take now
