So, What Even Is the Common App?
The college process can feel like learning a whole new language.
One day you’re focused on school, sports, rehearsals—life as usual. Next, everyone’s throwing around terms like Early Decision, rolling admissions, FAFSA, supplemental essays—and of course: “Have you started your Common App yet?”
If you’ve nodded along while secretly wondering what all of that means—especially the Common App—you’re not alone. And you’re not behind either. You’re exactly on time to start figuring it out—with clarity and a plan.
Let’s break down what the Common App is and how to make it work for you.
So... what is it?
The Common Application—or Common App—is one centralized platform used by over 1,000 colleges and universities. It’s designed to simplify the process: instead of completing a separate application for every school, you fill out one main application and send it to multiple colleges.
But this isn’t a copy-paste situation. While your core information is shared, most colleges include their own questions or short essays. That’s where you personalize your application and show why you’re a great fit for each school.
What you'll actually do
After creating an account, you’ll enter your personal and academic information, list up to ten activities, and write one main personal essay. You’ll also request recommendations from your teachers and counselor.
Then, for each college, you’ll complete any school-specific questions—often including short answers or supplemental essays—within the same system.
The Common App opens on August 1, but students who start planning in the spring or summer have more time to reflect, write intentionally, and avoid the last-minute scramble.
Common questions students ask
Can I apply to multiple schools? Yes—up to 20 colleges from a single account.
Do I have to finish everything at once? No—you can submit to each school when you’re ready.
Can I edit my application after submitting? Only for colleges you haven’t submitted to yet.
Do supplemental questions matter? Absolutely. They’re your chance to show each college that you’ve done your research—and that you’re a strong match for what they offer.
What to do next
If you’re a junior, this is the time to explore the platform, reflect on your experiences, and begin thinking about your story. What activities have been most meaningful? What values or goals guide you? These reflections become the foundation of your application.
If you’re heading into senior year, use the summer wisely. Start drafting your activity list and essay. Research the colleges you're interested in—not just their rankings, but their programs, communities, and values. Build a timeline with key deadlines, especially if you’re considering Early Action or Early Decision.
By August, your goal isn’t to start—it’s to refine. When you’ve already written, edited, and reflected, you can approach the application process with confidence and clarity.
But you can begin with one meaningful question: What part of my story do I want to lead with?
At Ivy Link, we help students turn that question into a clear, strategic plan. We recommend beginning your brainstorming and drafting process in the spring. That way, you’ll have the summer to revise and polish—so when application season begins, especially for Early Decision, you’re submitting your strongest work.
Want a plan that’s built around your goals? Reach out to Ivy Link—we’ll walk through it with you, step by step.
