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.
Make sure you are writing about yourself – not just the person who influenced you!
The Common Application is used by more than 400 colleges. Some say the Common App is a huge help in admissions. Others say it causes more problems than it solves. What do you think?