Schools that take Common App—making the process easier?

So, I'm starting my college search and I've heard that some schools use the Common App. Can someone give me a rundown of which colleges accept the Common App and how I could use it to my advantage while applying to multiple colleges?

The Common Application is a platform that simplifies the college application process by allowing you to submit a single application to multiple colleges. Over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad accept the Common App, making it a versatile and convenient option for submitting applications.

Some well-known institutions that accept the Common App include Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth, Penn, Duke, MIT, University of Chicago, Northwestern, and many more. For a comprehensive list, you can visit the Common App website and search the participating institutions.

Using the Common App to your advantage starts with identifying the colleges you're interested in that accept it. Then, you'll need to create a Common App account, which will serve as the hub for your application materials, from your personal information to your activities and essay.

One central essay, known as the personal statement, is required by the Common App. Additionally, you may encounter the "supplemental essays" which are questions specific to each college. However, you'll only have to write one personal statement, saving you time and energy, as this essay can be sent to all the colleges you apply to through the platform.

Apart from the essays, the Common App also allows you to enter your extracurricular activities, honors, and awards. This information will be shared with all the colleges you apply to through the platform, reducing the need to enter the same data multiple times.

In order to maximize the benefits of the Common App, take the time to strategically select the colleges you plan to apply to, ensuring they have the academic programs and campus culture you're looking for. Tailor your responses to the supplemental essays, showcasing your genuine interest in each college, and why you believe you'd be a good fit.

Lastly, don't forget to review the individual requirements of each college you're applying to, since some may have specific criteria or deadlines you'll need to meet. By doing so, you'll increase the chances of smoothly navigating the application process while casting a wide net in your college search.