If you’re in the process of applying for undergraduate courses in America, or if you’re transferring, it might be worth your time to look and see if the schools you’re interested in accept the Common Application.[break]
According to the official website, commonapp.org, “The Common Application is a not-for-profit membership organization that, since its founding 35 years ago, has been committed to providing reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity in the college application process. We serve students, member institutions, and secondary schools by providing applications – online and in print – that students and school officials may submit to any of our more than 400 members. is open to colleges and universities that promote access by evaluating students using a holistic selection process.”
Schools that are members of The Common Application membership have to meet some requirements. Some of these stipulations entail offering a 4-year bachelor degree, being an accredited member in good standing of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and they must consider subjective criteria in the admission process. Universities that accept the Common Application give equal consideration to the Common App as well as the institution’s own application. These requirements ensure that only schools of high standings are members.
There are many perks to using the Common Application. The biggest benefit being the need to only fill out one application. On the application, you’ll be required to write down your information only once, and best of all, you won’t have to write several essays for each institution you’re applying to, as one will suffice.
If you apply online, which is highly recommended, the process is “quick, easy and secure.” To register online, visit https://www.commonapp.org/Application/RegisterApplicant.aspx. Using the online application will save you the hassle of paperwork, and your application will be immediately submitted when you’re finished. With the online application, there’s no risk of papers getting lost in the mail and it’s considerably faster.
If you prefer a hard copy, the application can be downloaded in PDF format at: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Docs/DownloadForms/CommonApp2011.pdf.
The organization requests, “Please do not mix-and-match your application, supplement, and payment between online and paper submission. Either submit the application, supplement and payment (or fee waiver) online, or submit them all by mail.”
The cost for the application varies by institutions. A number of universities have no application charge, others have different rates for international students, and other fees range between US$25 and $100. To see how much institutions charge as well as to look at what the standardized test requirements are, visit https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/MemberRequirements.aspx.
The Common Application has been used by millions of students, and with the online application available, its popularity is increasing. As commonapp.org says, “This allows you to spend less time on the busy work of applying for admission, and more time on what’s really important: college research, visits, essay writing, and senior-year coursework.”
For more information, visit commonapp.org
Related story
Shangri-la brings two new saving products
