The Common Application: Simplifying College Admissions
Navigating the college admissions process has never been easier. The Common App revolutionizes how students apply to their dream schools, offering a streamlined, unified platform that saves time and reduces stress.
What is the Common App?
The Common Application is a powerful online platform that transforms the college application experience. With over 1,000 participating colleges and universities, it eliminates the need to fill out separate applications for each school.
Whether you're a first-year applicant, transfer student, or international candidate, the Common App provides a unified, efficient solution that puts you in control of your college journey.

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2025–2026 Common App first-year application walkthrough

Applying to college is a big step towards your future. We’re so excited to see where you go from here. You’ve got this! If you’re applying with Common App for transfer, watch this instead: https://youtu.be/5rXCX5K10ro Help: https://www.commonapp.org/help Start your application: https://apply.commonapp.org/createaccount Application guide: https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students Essay prompt breakdown: https://youtu.be/VxlWqpGOjI8 Better Make Room on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@b

One Application
Complete a single form for multiple schools
Time Saver
Streamlined process reduces redundancy
Universal Access
Accepted by 1,000+ institutions worldwide
Understanding each section helps you present your strongest application. Here's what colleges will see:
1
Profile & Family
Demographic information, parent education levels, and family occupation details that provide context for your background
2
Education
School, GPA (Update Senior Year), Graduation Date (Month/Year), Current Coursework (Senior Year)
Senior Year Coursework to be completed in senior workshop
3
Testing
SAT, ACT or AP Exam scores can be self-reported in this section.

If scores are reported in this section, there is a risk of sending scores to schools that you did not intend to see them. We recommend you consult this section with your counselor in the fall of senior year
4
Activities & Honors
Extracurriculars, work experience, hobbies, leadership roles, and academic or community achievements that showcase who you are.
5
Personal Essay
One compelling personal statement (250-650 words) plus any college-specific supplemental essays
*Completed in Q4 of Junior Year English

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The Importance of the Essay and Recommendation Letters | UConn

Each year, the University of Connecticut seeks to welcome a new class of curious, compassionate, and driven individuals that will contribute to our inclusive campus community. As part of the application process, a personal essay is required and provides an opportunity to add a unique voice to the application as well as demonstrate writing ability. Two letters of recommendation are optional, but can distinguish an applicant's character and are preferred. These components of your application allo

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Recommenders & FERPA (Grade 12)
FERPA authorization for reference release
  • You must complete this from to allow your high school to send documents to college and to indicate whether you waive your right to view confidential letters of recommendation.

Teacher recommendations will be requested through Naviance during the Fall of senior year

DO NOT REQUEST TEACHERS OR COUNSELORS IN COMMON APP
Step-by-Step Application Process
Gather Your Materials
Collect transcripts, test scores, activity lists, and honors before you begin. Having everything organized saves time and reduces stress.
Create Your Account
Set up your Common App account—good news: accounts roll over year to year, so you can start exploring early (rollover takes place on August 1st).
*Use personal email to set up account
Build Your College List
Add schools to your list and carefully review each institution's specific requirements, deadlines, and supplemental questions.
Complete Each Section
Work through Profile, Family, Education, Testing, Activities sections methodically. Save your progress frequently.
*Some colleges will require the STARS
Students are required to add all coursework and semester grades to send to colleges that require this

Ready to start your journey? Visit commonapp.org today to create your account. We recommend using a personal email address that you check regularly. Your future awaits!

If you are interested in 2 year college trade/technical schools or military, please refer to the grade 11 post-high school planning website for each pathway. Continue your research using the assigned worksheets in Google Classroom if you are exploring these options!
The 2026-2027 Common App Essay Prompts
Choose one prompt that resonates with your story and allows you to shine. Remember: 250-650 words.
1
Background & Identity
Share a meaningful background, identity, interest, or talent that is essential to who you are
2
Overcoming Obstacles
Reflect on lessons learned from a challenge, setback, or failure you've faced
3
Challenging Beliefs
Describe a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea
4
Gratitude & Kindness
Reflect on something someone has done for you that made you happy or thankful in a surprising way
5
Personal Growth
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth
6
Captivating Topic
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that you lose track of time
7
Your Choice
Share an essay on any topic of your choice—this is your opportunity to be creative
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