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Direct admissions for member colleges

Simple, streamlined admissions to connect first-generation and low- and middle-income students with Common App colleges

Direct admissions for member colleges

Simple, streamlined admissions to connect first-generation and low- and middle-income students with Common App colleges



Streamlined way to expand your reach

Common App Direct Admissions provides proactive admission offers from partnering institutions to first-generation and low- and middle-income students. Built on the application used by 1,000+ members and 1.4 million students each year, the program lets students know that a college education is available to them.

Program impact 2025–2026

  • 215 Member colleges in 45 states, including Washington, DC
  • 800,000+ eligible first-generation and lower-income students received at least one direct admissions offer
  • After receiving an offer, 25% of eligible students applied to at least one institution they were not already considering

“Common App very much plays a large role in helping us continue to fulfill our goal of helping students of all backgrounds obtain a quality education through efforts such as direct admissions.”

-Evan Simmons Sr., Director of Data & Technology, Georgia State University

Increased applications and expanded reach

“Seamless” and “easy to implement” are words participating colleges use to describe Common App Direct Admissions. Those are key reasons that a majority of those colleges plan to participate again for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle. Other benefits include:

  • Streamlined and user-friendly processes for both students and colleges
  • Ability for college to narrow or expand offers based on geography
  • Power to make essays and recommendations optional for direct admissions students, even if required for other students
  • Common App extends offers on behalf of colleges, in-app and by email
  • Daily data updates available in the Control Center

Reach students on the platform they trust

“Many times it can be hard doing college apps being a first-gen applicant; however, these offers reinforce the idea that my hard work pays off and I'm proud of where I am and am ecstatic for what my future holds.”

— Common App Direct Admissions student, 2024-2025

Students see and learn about direct admissions offers in their Common App.

Proactive offers and waived application fees let students know colleges want them in their incoming class.

Students see and learn about direct admissions offers in their Common App.

Ready to sign up?

Complete the Direct Admissions Exhibit in your Member Agreement.

Enroll now

Have questions?

Email us directly at direct-admissions-info@commonapp.org.