Skip to content
College Application
Preview the Common App
Familiarize yourself with the Common App over the next few months so you are ready to get started when it goes live August 1.
May 6, 2026
Familiarize yourself with the Common App over the next few months so you are ready to get started when it goes live August 1.
Want your Common App essay to shine? Check out our Guide to the Common App personal statement.
Ready to hit that submit button? Wait just one minute and take the time to use the Common Application’s pdf preview option.
How should you tackle that short supplemental essay about your favorite extracurricular activity?
How do you write a college supplemental essay about academic interests? Get expert tips to write the essay that college admissions officers want to read.
Writing your Common App essay about your background, identity, interest, or talent is a great way to stand out from the crowd–if you zero in on what the essay prompt is really asking you. Exercise care in choosing to write on Common App Essay Prompt 1. If you fully understand what the prompt is asking, you’ll be better able to write a fantastic Common App essay that can help you shine in the admissions office.
Mark’s final post in a series on essays explore the prompt in which students are asked to recount an incident that marks their transition from childhood to adulthood.
Choosing a major can be tricky. Would it help if you knew what majors lead to the best job opportunities?
Check out the Common Application Facebook page for some helpful tips as you work on your application.