Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here

Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here
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Your future starts here
Apply to college for the first time or transfer to complete your degree.

Navigate your entire college application journey with Common App.
Start your application
Your future starts here
Apply to college for the first time or transfer to complete your degree.

Navigate your entire college application journey with Common App.
Start your application
Explore more than 1,000 colleges on Common App
Illuminate 2026
50 years of expanding access to higher education
Common App is celebrating 50 years! Since 1975, we've helped millions of students navigate college admissions and unlock opportunity. View stories of our journey or share your own and help shape the future.
Celebrate with us
Plan your future
Get connected with everything you need to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and get advice from counselors, advisors and mentors.
Why college matters
College is worth it. Your future is worth it. You are worth it.
Learn why college matters
Paying for college
There are lots of options available to you. We can help you find them.
Learn how to pay for college
Your college roadmap
The path may seem unclear. We can help you find your way.
Learn how to get to college
Your complete college
application guide
It’s go time — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Here’s where you’ll find what you need to take that next step towards a brighter future.
First-year student guide
Transfer student guide
Featured research
First-generation status in context, part five: Enrollment, persistence, and degree completion by detailed parental education
February 23, 2026
Common App Next Chapter: 2026 impact report
2026
March 1 deadline update
March 12, 2026
First-generation status in context, part five: Enrollment, persistence, and degree completion by detailed parental education
February 23, 2026
Common App Next Chapter: 2026 impact report
2026
March 1 deadline update
March 12, 2026
First-generation status in context, part five: Enrollment, persistence, and degree completion by detailed parental education
February 23, 2026
See more research
News and updates
Announcing the 2026–2027 Common App essay prompts
February 27, 2026
Counselor Conversations with Common App, Spring 2026
January 22, 2026
Championing transfer students’ journeys through early awareness
October 21, 2025
See more news
For counselors and recommenders
Thanks to you, your students aren’t alone. We’re here to make sure you’re not either.
Access counselor resources
Become a member college
We strive for access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Your membership makes it all possible.
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Events and webinars
28
Apr
Counselor conversations with Common App: Use of data
Learn how Common App data can support counselors, with a look at admissions data and trends from our latest Deadline Update report.
Virtual
18
May
IECA Conference 2026
The IECA Annual Conference is the world's largest gathering of independent educational consultants, bringing attendees together to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Baltimore, MD
21
May
2026-27 first-year application updates webinar for counselors
Learn about planned first-year application updates and resources to help you prepare for the 2026-2027 application season.
Virtual
27
May
2026-27 transfer application updates webinar for advisors
Learn about planned transfer application updates and resources to help you prepare for the 2026-2027 application season.
Virtual
See all events
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