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Announcing the 2026–2027 Common App essay prompts

By Common AppFebruary 27, 2026

The Common App essay prompts offer a flexible range of topics to help students distinguish themselves in their own voice. During the most recent cycle, the most popular option was "Topic of Your Choice."

Essay promptsAnnouncements
Announcing the 2026–2027 Common App essay prompts

Counselor Conversations with Common App, Spring 2026

By Common AppJanuary 22, 2026

Join Common App’s Counselor Conversations webinar series to explore international student support, account rollover, and admissions data insights with expert teams in live spring sessions.

Counselors and advisorsWebinar
A woman is sitting at a desk with paperwork.

Championing transfer students’ journeys through early awareness

By Batanya GipsonOctober 21, 2025

While many community college students aspire to transfer to a four-year university, only a third succeed. High school counselors are uniquely positioned to promote early transfer awareness and proactively bridge students’ knowledge gaps about the transfer process.

TransferCounselors and advisorsMember colleges
A woman is in a classroom working on her laptop.

Counselor Conversations with Common App, Fall 2025

By Common AppSeptember 2, 2025

The Counselor Conversations webinar series offers guidance and practical tips for high school counselors, with recordings and resources now available for those who missed the live sessions.

Counselors and advisorsWebinar
A woman is sitting at a desk working on her laptop.

Reminder: Common App system refresh

By Common AppJuly 30, 2025

The Common App will be offline briefly to prepare for the 2025-2026 cycle. First-year and transfer applications close in late July, with the new application opening on August 1. Get ready with essay prompts, college search tools, and resources for students and counselors.

Announcements
A college campus with a very large tree overhaning a sidewalk.

Announcing the 2025–2026 Common App essay prompts

By Common AppFebruary 27, 2025

The Common App essay prompts offer diverse topics, inviting students to share personal stories, challenges, growth, and meaningful experiences. Discover what has changed and remained the same for the 25–26 prompts.

Essay promptsAnnouncements
A young woman is working on her laptop.

A Conversation with Our 2025 Excellence In College Counseling Winners

By Cindy Jara, Reach Higher Digital Communications ManagerJanuary 23, 2025

We are excited to announce the KIPP Forward Team at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School in Atlanta, Georgia, as our 2025 EICC recipient. Enjoy getting to know them the way we have!

Counselors and advisorsPartnerships
Common App's Stephanie Owens awards the EICC to the KIPP Forward team.

Common App releases new call for research proposals

By Common AppNovember 4, 2024

Today, Common App launched a call for research proposals from the broader social science research community. This new process is meant to mobilize new perspectives, skill sets, expertise, and resources.

AnnouncementsResearch
A close-up view of a whiteboard with sticky notes on it.

# Navigating Your College Journey with the REACH Pathfinder

By Jacob Boillat, Senior Program Manager for Student Engagement at Common AppOctober 14, 2024

Choosing a college or university can feel like navigating a maze. Believe us, we’ve been there. It’s challenging and sometimes downright confusing. But wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a map guiding you?

Find collegesMentoringCounselors and advisorsStudent stories
A group of young people are hugging and smiling.

Supporting parents in college from application onward

By Batanya GipsonSeptember 20, 2024

To honor Student Parent Month, Common App hosted a panel. It featured advocates for student parents from the Urban Institute, Generation Hope, and George Washington University. The panel discussed barriers parenting students face in higher education. They also covered how states and colleges seek data to understand and address those barriers and how Common App can help.

TransferWebinarMember collegesResearchCounselors and advisors
A toddler girl is sitting on her mom's lap in front of a laptop.

Common App Partners with the Davis New Mexico Scholarship

By Common AppSeptember 10, 2024

College is an exciting journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. It allows us to grow in many ways, both personally and academically. As students, we balance our coursework, activities, and thoughts about life after graduation. Luckily, colleges offer a variety of resources to help us succeed along the way!

AnnouncementsGrants/scholarshipsPartnerships
A young woman is at a desk looking at a laptop and holding her phone, smiling.

What campus resources can incoming students expect, and how can they find them?

By Toluwanimi Ajani, Hannah Lee, Micah Sandy, and Angel VelezSeptember 6, 2024

College is an exciting journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. It allows us to grow in many ways, both personally and academically. As students, we balance our coursework, activities, and thoughts about life after graduation. Luckily, colleges offer a variety of resources to help us succeed along the way!

Student storiesMentoringFind collegesCounselors and advisorsRecommenders
A young black woman is in a library studying.

Make the most of your college journey – Part 2

By Esther Aduamah, Marissa Carper, and Zhuoli XieAugust 6, 2024

Preparing for College: Advice from the Common App Student Advisory Committee

Student storiesMentoringFind collegesTransferCounselors and advisors
Make the most of your college journey – Part 2

Common App launches the 2024–2025 application season with over 1,100 colleges and universities

By Common AppAugust 1, 2024

Today, Common App celebrated the launch of the 2024–2025 application season with over 1,100 colleges and universities worldwide. Each year, more than 3 million students, teachers, and counselors use the Common App platform to simplify the college application process, providing crucial resources and support to make higher education more accessible globally.

Announcements
A group of young people huddled together smiling.

Reminder: Common App system refresh

By Common AppJuly 19, 2024

Each year, the Common App goes offline to prepare for the new application cycle. The 2023-2024 first-year application will close for students and recommenders at 5 pm ET on July 28, and the transfer application will close for students and recommenders at 5 pm ET on July 29.

Announcements
A group of young people are roasitng marshmallows around a campfire.

Common App resource round-up

By Michaela AlcornJuly 17, 2024

This resource round-up answers questions about navigating the application and provides counselors with the information they need at their fingertips.

Student storiesCounselors and advisors
A person is writing at a desk with their laptop.

Make the most of your college journey – Part 1

By Esther Aduamah, Marissa Carper, and Zhuoli XieJune 14, 2024

Preparing for College: Advice from the Common App Student Advisory Committee

Student storiesMentoringFind collegesTransferCounselors and advisors
A mom and daughter at the back of a packed car hugging and kissing.

NC Central University sees exponential growth in applications

By Elyse Armstrong, Common App Data ScientistMay 30, 2024

After joining Common App’s Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) program, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) transitioned from receiving inconsistent applications to achieving exponential application growth.

Case studyMember collegesPartnershipsResearch
A young man is looking at this laptop and is very excited about what he sees.

Common App’s Student Advisory Committee

By Jacob Boillat, Senior Program Manager for Student Engagement at Common AppApril 29, 2024

Common App launched its Student Advisory Committee (SAC) in July 2022. This July, we will begin our second cohort. The committee was designed to give students a seat at the table in college admissions. We want to learn from students and get ideas and feedback on our everyday work.

Counselors and advisorsPartnershipsMentoringStudent stories
Common App Student Advisory Board are having a panel discussion.

What is FAFSA, and why is it important?

By Jacob Boillat, Senior Program Manager for Student Engagement at Common AppFebruary 5, 2024

Your friends at Common App are here to help make the college application process easier for you. We are sure you have heard a lot about the new FAFSA lately, and we want to make sure you understand what the FAFSA is and why it is important.

Financial aid
What is FAFSA, and why is it important?

Taking a closer look at Common App Direct Admissions

By Emma SteeleDecember 22, 2023

College admissions are often seen as complex and stressful. Many students, particularly first-generation and low-income, face fear and self-doubt. Contrary to the perception of limited opportunities, most colleges accept more than two-thirds of their applicants.

AnnouncementsAccess initiatives
Taking a closer look at Common App Direct Admissions

2023 reflections: shooting for the moon together

By Jenny RickardDecember 19, 2023

In these complex times, we will use our strength as a diverse membership association, data, technology, and collective voice to expand access for all students. As we head into the new year, here are some highlights from 2023 and a peek at where 2024 will take us.

AnnouncementsAccess initiativesPartnerships
2023 reflections: shooting for the moon together

Common App announces partnership with DOD MilGears

By Batanya GipsonNovember 3, 2023

Common App is excited to announce that we have partnered with DOD MilGears to help simplify the college application process for military-connected students (active duty, veterans, and their families).

AnnouncementsPartnershipsFind collegesTransfer
Common App announces partnership with DOD MilGears

You can now apply to City Year on the Common App

By Genesis TollanOctober 25, 2023

Common App has added a service organization to its application for the first time, proudly partnering with City Year – a national program uniting diverse young adults for a year of transformative community service.

AnnouncementsPartnershipsGrants/scholarships
You can now apply to City Year on the Common App

The 2023–2024 Common App college maps are here

By Common AppOctober 16, 2023

Empower students to explore and expand their college choices with Common App maps. The maps inspire students to grow their search beyond familiar institutions by showcasing the more than 1,000 institutions that accept Common App.

Counselors and advisors
The 2023–2024 Common App college maps are here

Highlights from the Illuminate 2023 conference

By Common AppSeptember 25, 2023

Illuminate is a convergence of enrollment and admissions experts, IT and operations professionals, and other higher ed leaders. Illuminate is a place for Common App member colleges and universities to share, learn, and co-create to build a more equitable future.

Member colleges
Highlights from the Illuminate 2023 conference

Ready, set, college fair

By Michaela AlcornSeptember 18, 2023

At Common App we know the power of exploring colleges. College fairs are a great way for counselors, students, and families to connect with admissions representatives from colleges and universities around the world. College fairs are in full swing this fall both in-person and online.

College fairsCounselors and advisors
Ready, set, college fair

Reminder: Common App system refresh

By Emma SteeleJuly 14, 2023

The 2022-2023 first-year application will close to students and recommenders at 5 p.m. ET on July 27. The transfer application will close to students and recommenders at 5 p.m. ET on July 28.

Announcements
Reminder: Common App system refresh

What to expect from Common App after the Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions

By Jenny RickardJune 29, 2023

I’m very disheartened to see the Supreme Court end a practice that has helped diversify college campuses across the country. While we know that race is only one factor used in admissions decisions, today’s decision has far-reaching implications for ensuring a level-playing field to college for all underrepresented students. As we continue to learn more about the impact of the Court’s decision, Common App remains committed to doing our part to help close equity gaps for all students in higher education.

Announcements
What to expect from Common App after the Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions

2023-2024 Common App essay prompts

By Meredith LombardiFebruary 24, 2023

Common App essay prompts for 2023-2024 will remain unchanged as last year's prompts received a satisfaction rating of over 95% from students, counselors, advisors, teachers, and colleges.

Essay promptsStudent storiesCounselors and advisors
2023-2024 Common App essay prompts

2022 reflections: Bringing joy to college admissions

By Jenny RickardDecember 22, 2022

As we head into the new year, I want to highlight some more of what we accomplished with all of our partners this year and where 2023 will take us.

AnnouncementsAccess initiativesTransfer
2022 reflections: Bringing joy to college admissions

Exploring college as a military-connected student

By Batanya GipsonNovember 11, 2022

As we commemorate Veterans Day, it is important to share with military-connected students what to look for in a college suited to their needs. Below are some features military-connected students should look for in a college and how to approach attaining a degree.

Student storiesMilitary-connected
Exploring college as a military-connected student

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Miami Dade College

By Emma SteeleOctober 13, 2022

Through October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to learn about and appreciate Latinx history and culture. At Common App, this is also a time to reflect about our mission and learn about the systemic inequities and barriers that Latinx students and families face in their pursuit of opportunities.

Access initiativesCounselors and advisorsStudent stories
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Miami Dade College

Common App welcomes the 2022-2023 Board of Directors

By Emma SteeleJuly 6, 2022

Common App, the non-profit organization that serves over 1 million students and over 1,000 colleges and universities each year, announced its newest Board of Directors who will begin their terms of service on July 1, 2022

Announcements
Common App welcomes the 2022-2023 Board of Directors

2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

By Scott AndersonJanuary 27, 2022

The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2022-2023. Because as we enter the third year of a global pandemic, consistency is not a bad thing.

Essay promptsAnnouncements
2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

Supporting those impacted by natural disasters

By Common AppJanuary 3, 2022

The Common App team wants to ensure that students, counselors, teachers, recommenders, and colleges affected by natural disasters have the support they need as they navigate difficult circumstances so they do not become a burden on the college application process.

Community disruption
Supporting those impacted by natural disasters

Common App resource round-up

By Scott AndersonOctober 28, 2021

We’ve compiled this resource round-up to help answer questions about navigating the application and put the information counselors need at their fingertips.

Student storiesCounselors and advisors
Common App resource round-up

Navigating Common App's Explore Colleges profiles

By Jen DavisOctober 21, 2021

Common App's Explore Colleges tool can help reveal to students all the incredible college options available to them.

TechnologyFind collegesStudent storiesCounselors and advisors
Navigating Common App's Explore Colleges profiles

Reminder: Common App system refresh

By Jen DavisJuly 15, 2021

Each year, the Common App system goes offline to prepare for the upcoming launch of the new application.

Announcements
Reminder: Common App system refresh

Welcoming the 2021-2022 Common App Board of Directors

By Jenny RickardJuly 8, 2021

Common App’s Board of Directors is made up of leaders from the college admission counseling profession and at-large experts from outside the field united by a passion for advancing college access on a global scale.

Announcements
Welcoming the 2021-2022 Common App Board of Directors

Common App expands integration partnerships

By Emma SteeleMay 25, 2021

Additional service providers to begin piloting integration with the Common App in preparation for 2021-2022 application season

AnnouncementsPartnerships
Common App expands integration partnerships

2021-2022 Common App essay prompts

By Scott AndersonFebruary 16, 2021

In crafting a new option, we relied on the expertise of counselors and admission officers on our Outreach and Application Advisory Committees, along with input from psychology and gratitude researchers.

Essay promptsApplication updates
2021-2022 Common App essay prompts

Evolving the App: Citizenship

By Emma SteeleFebruary 9, 2021

Since early 2020, Common App’s Evolving the App project has explored particular questions on the application that may serve as barriers to completion for underrepresented students and identified actions to reduce these barriers.

Access initiativesApplication updatesAnnouncementsStudent storiesCounselors and advisors
Evolving the App: Citizenship

A win-win-win approach to college recommendations

By Scott AndersonOctober 29, 2020

How can we minimize work for counselors and teachers while maximizing value to colleges through relevant information about a student?

RecommendersApplication updates
A win-win-win approach to college recommendations

National Postsecondary Strategy Institute Power of Hope Awards

By National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI)October 28, 2020

The National Postsecondary Strategy Institute (NPSI) in partnership with Reach Higher and Common App is launching the Power of Hope Awards to recognize school districts that engage school counselors in leadership roles to improve student college and career success outcomes.

AnnouncementsCounselors and advisors
National Postsecondary Strategy Institute Power of Hope Awards

Common App removes school discipline question on the application

By Emma SteeleSeptember 30, 2020

Common App, used by 1.1 million students each year, announces sweeping changes designed to boost representation of Black applicants; data shows Black students report disciplinary actions at more than twice the rate of white peers

Application updatesAnnouncements
Common App removes school discipline question on the application

Their stories, their way: approaching the college essay

By Scott AndersonAugust 26, 2020

Students should always have the choice about what, how, and where they share about themselves. It’s our responsibility to make sure the space exists for them to tell their stories in the way they want to tell them.

Student storiesEssay promptsCommunity disruption
Their stories, their way: approaching the college essay

Navigating college admissions during a pandemic

By Emma SteeleAugust 24, 2020

Common App President & CEO Jenny Rickard joined Dan Loney on Wharton Business Daily to discuss college admissions, COVID-19, and how Common App is helping students navigate the college application

Community disruption
Navigating college admissions during a pandemic

NACAC launches inaugural season of virtual college fairs

By Emma SteeleJuly 30, 2020

High School Counselors and Advisers are Invited to Register for NACAC Virtual College Fairs’ Counselors Preview on Aug. 19. With support from Common App, NACAC Virtual College Fairs will kick off with a counselors preview to inform them about changes to college admissions.

Access initiativesCommunity disruptionCollege fairs
NACAC launches inaugural season of virtual college fairs

Expanding access and equity through grant funding partnerships

By Emma SteeleJuly 14, 2020

During these unprecedented times, we must rapidly address the systemic issues that are creating barriers for all students, especially low-income students and students of color. It is well past time for higher education to work together to go beyond incremental, reactive change to create an equitable system that levels the playing field for all.

Access initiativesGrants/scholarshipsPartnershipsApplication updatesTechnology
Expanding access and equity through grant funding partnerships

[Webinar] What's new with Common App (June 2020)

By Meredith LombardiJune 15, 2020

Review system enhancements planned for the 2020-2021 application cycle (including a refresh to the recommender system) and tools you can use to support and celebrate your students throughout their college process.

Application updatesWebinar
[Webinar] What's new with Common App (June 2020)

Common App expands integration partnerships

By Emma SteeleJune 8, 2020

Additional service providers to begin piloting integration with the Common App in preparation for 2020-2021 application season

PartnershipsTechnology
Common App expands integration partnerships

Democratizing access to higher education

By Alexandra SlackMay 28, 2020

New college-in-high school model offers additional pathway for talented, low-income students to advance and demonstrate college-readiness.

Access initiatives
Democratizing access to higher education

COVID-19 question on 2020-2021 Common App

By Jen DavisMay 12, 2020

On the 2020-2021 application, Common App will provide students who need it with a dedicated space to elaborate on the impact of the pandemic, both personally and academically.

Community disruptionApplication updates
COVID-19 question on 2020-2021 Common App

[Webinar] What's new with Common App (May 2020)

By Meredith LombardiMay 11, 2020

Review system enhancements planned for the 2020-2021 application cycle (including a refresh to the recommender system) and tools you can use to support and celebrate your students throughout their college process.

Application updatesWebinar
[Webinar] What's new with Common App (May 2020)

Staying Connected in the time of Coronavirus

By Jen DavisMarch 26, 2020

We recently connected with several counselors to find out what innovative methods they are employing to help students stay on track. Here’s some of the advice they shared for keeping up with students during these changing times.

Community disruptionCounselors and advisors
Staying Connected in the time of Coronavirus

Common App Recommender System designed to better serve you

By Jen DavisMarch 26, 2020

We’re excited to roll out some key enhancements to the system in August 2020, including a new mobile responsive interface, improved recommender workflow, and easier access to applicant information and submission status.

AnnouncementsRecommendersTechnology
Common App Recommender System designed to better serve you

Happy National School Counseling Week!

By Eric WaldoFebruary 3, 2020

We're so proud to once again celebrate National School Counseling Week and recognize the immense incredible and tireless work of the school counseling community.

Counselors and advisors
Happy National School Counseling Week!

Options for helping applicants impacted by the Coronavirus

By Jen DavisJanuary 30, 2020

We have been following the developing news around the spread of the Coronavirus. Today, we are joining NACAC and International ACAC in reaffirming our support for applicants, counselors and members impacted by this event.

Community disruption
Options for helping applicants impacted by the Coronavirus

The Common App 2020-2021 essay prompts

By Scott AndersonJanuary 29, 2020

The Common App first-year essay prompts will remain the same for 2020-2021. And we want to share with you how we arrived at this decision.

Essay prompts
The Common App 2020-2021 essay prompts

Celebrating counselors and teachers in New Orleans

By Meredith LombardiJanuary 27, 2020

We know the important role that school counselors and teachers play in helping students get to college. That’s why we visited New Orleans earlier this month to join the College Football Playoff Foundation, Collegewise, and the American School Counselor Association in celebrating counselors and teachers from across the country.

Counselors and advisors
Celebrating counselors and teachers in New Orleans

Congratulations! You did it!

By Jen DavisJanuary 17, 2020

Congratulations! You've applied to college - which is a big deal! We hope you'll take some time to celebrate your achievements.

Student stories
Congratulations! You did it!

Understanding Early Admissions

By Jen DavisDecember 18, 2019

Earlier this year, Common App shared with members a recent analysis of a record-breaking November 1 deadline. To explore this shift on a deeper level, we asked Steve Frappier, Director of College Counseling at Westminster in Atlanta, GA, for his thoughts on the changes, and the important details students and families should consider before deciding on an early admission plan.

Student stories
Understanding Early Admissions

Unpacking the rural and small town student experience

By Jen DavisNovember 26, 2019

Dustin Lynn, Director of College Counseling at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN, shared with Common App the goals of the Rural and Small Town SIG, his thoughts on how colleges and universities can escalate outreach efforts to rural students, and the critical role of the counseling community.

Access initiativesCounselors and advisorsMember colleges
Unpacking the rural and small town student experience

Supporting our veterans: Jeff Ubben Posse Foundation fellow Nick West reflects on his experience as a student veteran

By Jen DavisNovember 11, 2019

Nicholas West is a junior sociology major at Vassar College. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and attended Solano Community College in Fairfield, California before receiving a scholarship from the Posse Foundation Veterans Program to transfer to Vassar. He spent the summer of 2019 interning with the Common App as a Jeff Ubben Posse Fellow.

Military-connectedTransferStudent stories
Supporting our veterans: Jeff Ubben Posse Foundation fellow Nick West reflects on his experience as a student veteran

First Generation Focus: A conversation with Jemmy Marc

By Emma SteeleNovember 8, 2019

Common App sat down with Jemmy Marc, a first-generation student who is currently in his first year at the University of Florida. Jemmy was born in Haiti and has lived in America for 14 years. He loves to read, write poetry, and play basketball.

Student stories
First Generation Focus: A conversation with Jemmy Marc

Do it Differently: Share your story with Roadtrip Nation

By Roadtrip NationOctober 4, 2019

As you prepare for college or just life in general, you’re probably asking yourself: What if I mess this up? How am I supposed to do this? What if I pick the wrong major? Roadtrip Nation wants to help you discover your purpose.

Student stories
Do it Differently: Share your story with Roadtrip Nation

Common App Wins Grants from the Kresge and Michelson 20mm

By Emma SteeleSeptember 25, 2019

Funding to provide support for evaluation of evidence-based college access interventions, scholarship application solutions, and digital awareness campaigns by Reach Higher.

AnnouncementsResearchAccess initiativesTechnology
Common App Wins Grants from the Kresge and Michelson 20mm

[Webinar] 2019-20 system enhancements

By Meredith LombardiAugust 23, 2019

Join the Common App team for an overview of the 2019-2020 First Year application, including a highlight of new website and Common App Ready resources.

Application updatesWebinar
[Webinar] 2019-20 system enhancements

The real impact of Common App

By Dan ObregonAugust 1, 2019

The impact of Common App is well-documented. Millions of students. Hundreds of member colleges and universities. Hundreds of thousands of recommenders and advisors around the world. However, what's often lost are the stories behind those numbers. For that reason, we spent some time talking to recent applicants, counselors, and college admissions professionals about the real impact Common App has had on their lives.

Access initiativesStudent stories
The real impact of Common App

Beating the Odds Summit: Nobody successful gets through it alone

By Jen DavisJuly 24, 2019

On July 23, Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Reach Higher hosted the 5th annual Beating the Odds Summit at Howard University. The event, now in its fifth year, is tailored to provide guidance to first generation students and help them overcome the barriers that may prevent them from arriving on campus.

Student storiesAccess initiatives
Beating the Odds Summit: Nobody successful gets through it alone

Common App System Refresh: July 28-31

By Jen DavisJuly 2, 2019

While the system is offline, there’s still lots students can do to prepare for the upcoming application season!

Application updates
Common App System Refresh: July 28-31

#CollegeNeedsYou

By Jen DavisMay 27, 2019

During this year’s College Signing Day, I had to unique opportunity to talk with dozens of students about their motivations and dreams for college.

Access initiativesStudent stories
#CollegeNeedsYou

Forging Our Future: Member Summit 2019

By Jen DavisMay 15, 2019

It was great to see all of our members and partners at the Common App Member Summit earlier this month! Each year, our Member Summit brings together hundreds of enrollment leaders and admissions professionals from the more than 800 colleges and universities worldwide that make up the Common App Membership.

Member colleges
Forging Our Future: Member Summit 2019

Common App welcomes new members for 2019-20 application season

By Jen DavisApril 11, 2019

Students applying to college in 2019-2020 will soon have access to more than 50 additional diverse colleges and universities in all 50 states through The Common Application’s online application system.

AnnouncementsMember colleges
Common App welcomes new members for 2019-20 application season

2019-2020 Common App essay prompts

By Jen DavisJanuary 15, 2019

The Common Application has announced that the 2019-2020 essay prompts will remain the same as the 2018-2019 essay prompts. Based on extensive counselor feedback, the existing essay prompts provide great flexibility for applicants to tell their unique stories in their own voice.

Essay prompts
2019-2020 Common App essay prompts

Serving those who have served: Common App's commitment to veterans

By Jen DavisNovember 11, 2018

The transition from military to civilian life can be an exciting time for those who have served our country. It’s an opportunity to explore new career goals, and apply the skills they’ve learned in the armed forces to other areas. However, it can also be daunting to figure out what to do next.

Military-connectedTransfer
Serving those who have served: Common App's commitment to veterans

Common App and Reach Higher unite to make college approachable

By Jen DavisSeptember 27, 2018

The Common Application, a non-profit membership organization dedicated to access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process, announced today that it will acquire Reach Higher, the college access and success campaign started by former First Lady Michelle Obama during her time at the White House, to empower millions more students to successfully apply to college.

Access initiativesPartnershipsAnnouncements
Common App and Reach Higher unite to make college approachable

Change to criminal history question for 2019-20 application year

By Jen DavisAugust 19, 2018

On August 1, 2019, the collection of criminal history information will be removed from the “common” portion of the Common App as well as the School Report. However, The Common Application's member institutions will continue to be able to collect criminal history information on their individual member screens if they so choose. The student disciplinary history question will remain on the “common” portion of the application.

Application updates
Change to criminal history question for 2019-20 application year

The Transfer-Ready Imperative

By Jen DavisMay 19, 2018

Too many talented students aren’t able to achieve their dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. The Common App invited Dr. Karen Stout to speak as the closing keynote for its annual membership summit. Dr. Stout addressed the many ways 2-year and 4-year institutions can partner to improve transfer student readiness. One of her key takeaways? Both sets of institutions must look closely at their processes, programs, and practices to create a seamless experience for all students.

Transfer
The Transfer-Ready Imperative