How to Fill Out the Common App in 2025

Table of Contents

1. What is the Common App?
2. When Does the Common App Open for 2025?
3. How to Use the Common App
4. The “Community Disruption” Section on the Common App
5. General Common App Questions
6. Final Thoughts on the Common App
7. Know Where You Stand When You Apply

We all know applying to college takes time and effort. Luckily, the Common App makes the process smoother.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through filling out the Common App, with tips and best practices to boost your chances of success.

Let’s dive in.

What is the Common App?

The Common App is an online platform that lets students apply to up to 20 colleges in one place. Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, it combines the core parts, making the process faster and easier.

Keep in mind, though—not all colleges accept the Common App. You can check the full list of member schools on their website (we’ll share the link below).

When Does the Common App Open for 2025?

Technically, the Common App is always “open,” meaning you can start an account and fill out the main sections anytime. But you can only submit applications and complete college-specific details starting August 1st each year.

If you’re applying for Early Action or Early Decision, deadlines can be as soon as four months after August 1st. For Regular Decision, you might have around five months (depending on the school).

Before August 1st, it’s smart to:
✔ Finalize your college list (safety, reach, and match schools).
✔ Write a first draft of your personal essay.
✔ Make checklists for recommendations and other requirements.
✔ Fill out the main Common App tab with your academic and high school achievements.

How to Use the Common App

Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the Common App.

1. Create a Common App Account

Before starting, gather all the info you’ll need:

• Parent/guardian details (for demographics—occupation, education, etc.).
• Parental income info (to check if you qualify for fee waivers).
• Your senior year course schedule (since transcripts often don’t list these).
• Academic honors & achievements (you can list up to five).
• Test scores & dates (SAT, ACT, AP, IB—check each college’s policy).
• Extracurriculars & responsibilities (clubs, work, hobbies, family duties).
• High school transcript (some colleges require you to manually enter grades).

Steps to create your account:

1. Go to the Common App website and click “Create Account.”
2. Select “First-year student” if you’re in high school.
3. Set up login details (use an email you’ll keep after graduation).
4. Fill in your name, address, phone number, and birthdate.
5. Adjust communication preferences and accept the privacy policy.
6. Click “Create Account”—done!

Pro tip: Your account carries over yearly, so you can explore and save responses even before senior year.

2. Add Colleges to Your List

• Use the College Search tab to find schools by name, location, or deadline.
• Click “Add” for any college you want to apply to.

3. Invite Recommenders

Many colleges require recommendation letters. The Common App lets you see what each school needs and assign recommenders.

Important: First, add your high school in the Education section—some schools use outside systems for recommendations.

How to invite recommenders:

1. Go to My Colleges > select a school > Recommenders & FERPA.
2. Complete the FERPA Release Authorization (lets your school submit forms).
3. If your school doesn’t use an outside system, invite recommenders by entering their name and email.
4. Assign recommenders to specific colleges using the dropdown menu.

Note: Requirements vary—some want teacher recs, others accept employer or peer letters.

What is FERPA?

FERPA is a federal law protecting student privacy. It gives you control over who sees your education records (grades, transcripts, recommendations).

Waiving your FERPA rights lets recommenders submit confidentially, which some colleges view as more credible. But it’s optional—you don’t have to waive them.

4. Understand Each College’s Requirements

Stay organized by checking:

• My Colleges tab for deadlines, testing policies, and supplements.
• Application Requirements button (in Dashboard or College Search) for a full list.
• Writing Requirements by College (on the Common App website) for essay prompts.

Reminder: Answers in the main Common App tab save yearly, but college-specific responses don’t. Only work on those if applying that cycle.

5. Navigate Essay Requirements

Essays are your chance to stand out. Here’s how to manage them:

• Personal Essay: Check if it’s required in the Writing section.
• College-Specific Questions: Answer prompts thoughtfully in the My Colleges tab.
• Writing Supplements: Some schools require extra essays—check your Dashboard.

6. Submit Your Application

Before hitting submit:
✔ Preview your application (generate a PDF to review everything).
✔ Pay the fee (unless you qualify for a waiver).
✔ Submit!

Congrats—you’ve taken a big step toward college!

The “Community Disruption” Section

This optional section (250 words max) lets you share hardships that impacted your high school years—not just COVID-19. Examples:

• Health challenges (mental/physical)
• Family or home life changes
• Natural disasters
• Financial struggles
• Other major disruptions

Tips:
✔ Be clear and concise.
✔ Explain the impact and how you grew from it.
✔ Skip it if you haven’t faced significant challenges.

Avoid:
✖ Vague statements.
✖ Repeating info from other sections.
✖ Going over the word limit.

General Common App Questions

Why use the Common App?

It saves time—one application for up to 20 schools.

Does it cost anything?

The platform is free, but some colleges charge application fees (unless you qualify for a waiver).

Can I get a fee waiver?

Yes! Fill out the waiver form in your profile. If approved, it applies to all applications.

Which colleges accept the Common App?

Over 1,000 schools—check their website for the full list.

Do colleges treat Common App applicants differently?

No! They evaluate all applicants equally, regardless of platform.

When is the deadline?

• Early Action/Early Decision: Usually November 1 (some October 15).
• Regular Decision: Typically early January.

How long does it take to fill out?

Depends on how many schools you apply to. Start early!

Do I need recommendation letters?

Some colleges require them—check each school’s policy.

Can I fix mistakes after submitting?

No, but you can edit future applications. Always preview before submitting!

Should I fill out demographics?

Optional—colleges use it for tracking applicant diversity.

Is financial aid handled on the Common App?

No—you’ll need the FAFSA (and possibly the CSS Profile).

Final Thoughts

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but starting early helps. Create an account before senior year to stay ahead.

Know Where You Stand When You Apply

Before applying, check how competitive you are for your target schools. Appily’s free tool lets you enter your GPA and test scores to see your admission chances.

This can save you time, money, and stress—so you apply smarter.