College application reference
How the Common App Works
The Common App is an online application platform used by member colleges. Students create either a first-year or transfer account, complete shared application information, add colleges, and then meet each college's own requirements.
Start with the right applicant type
Common App separates first-year and transfer applications. Students who have not attended college after high school generally use the first-year path. Students who have attended college after high school should review the transfer path and the requirements for each program.
Dual-enrollment coursework in high school does not by itself make a student a transfer applicant. Common App publishes current guidance for choosing an account type.
Shared information does not mean identical applications
The platform collects information that can be shared with colleges, such as profile details, education, activities, and writing responses. Each college can also request its own materials, questions, recommendations, testing information, fees, and deadlines.
Use each college's requirements in Common App and its admissions site as the authority. A requirement for one college does not automatically apply to another.
Keep a requirements list
Before drafting, list every college, deadline, required writing response, recommendation, test policy, and fee or waiver requirement. Recheck the list before submitting because colleges can change application details between cycles.
Common questions
Is Common App the same application for every college?+
No. Common App includes shared information, but each college can set additional questions, materials, deadlines, and policies.
Can a student use Common App as a transfer applicant?+
Yes. Common App has a separate transfer application path. Program requirements and required documents vary by college.
Official sources
Policies and requirements can change. Check these sources before acting on a deadline or requirement.
- Application guide for first-year students (Common App, reviewed 2026-08-11)
- Application guide for transfer students (Common App, reviewed 2026-08-11)