Schools using Common App

Hi there! I'm starting to think about college apps and I was just wondering which schools accept the Common App. Is it mostly just top schools or do they include a wider variety? Thanks for the help!

Hello! The Common Application is accepted by a wide variety of colleges and universities, not just top-tier schools. In fact, over 900 schools, including public, private, large, and small institutions, use the Common App to streamline the application process for students. This platform aims to simplify the college application process by allowing you to fill out a single application with your general information, essays, and supplementary materials to apply to multiple schools simultaneously.

To provide you with an idea of the diversity of schools using the Common App, here's a small sample:

- Large public universities like the University of Minnesota and the University of New Hampshire

- Small liberal arts colleges like Amherst College and Pomona College

- Top-ranked private research universities like Stanford University and Northwestern University

- International institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of St. Andrews

It's important to note that, while the Common App can make the process of applying to colleges more efficient, some schools may require additional materials or separate applications. For example, many schools will ask for supplemental essays or require auditions or portfolio submissions for specific programs. Be sure to carefully research the schools you're considering to ensure that you meet all application requirements.

You can find the full list of participating schools on the Common App website by using their College Search feature. This will help you to determine which schools you're interested in that accept the Common App and also to create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools for your applications. Good luck!