Common Application: A Universal Tool for Applying to U.S. Colleges and Universities

Applying to U.S. universities is a complex and responsible process, especially for international students. To simplify submitting applications to dozens of schools at once, many applicants use the Common Application platform, or simply Common App. This is a unified online application that allows you to fill in your basic information once — and send it to multiple universities at the same time.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what Common App is, how to properly complete all sections of the application, and which common mistakes to avoid in order to improve your chances of getting accepted into a U.S. college or university.

Contents:

• What is the Common App
• General structure of the Common App
• Step-by-step guide to completing the application
• Most common mistakes applicants make

What is the Common App?

The Common App is an online platform designed to simplify the college application process in the United States. Instead of filling out separate applications for each institution, students can complete a single form and send it to multiple schools — more than 900 colleges and universities accept applications through the Common App.

Benefits of the Common App for international students:

• Time and effort saving. You don’t need to create and complete dozens of applications — it’s enough to enter your information once
• Convenience. All data is stored in your personal account, which you can edit and update at any time before the deadlines.
• Versatility. The Common App takes into account the specifics of international applications, allowing you to upload required documents and report international exam scores.
• Support. The platform offers detailed instructions, and many universities provide additional guidance during the process. 

For international applicants, the Common App is a great way to organize the admissions process, avoid mistakes, and apply to multiple universities with different requirements and deadlines on time.

General Structure of the Common App

The Common App consists of several key sections that must be completed to submit an application successfully. Each section gathers specific information that colleges use when reviewing candidates.

Main sections of the application:

— Profile. This section collects basic information: personal details (name, date of birth, address), contact info, citizenship, and international student status.

— Family. Here, applicants provide information about their family: parents, their education, and occupation. This helps colleges understand the applicant’s social background.

— Education. This section covers the schools the applicant has attended, dates of attendance, subjects, and GPA. International students should ensure grades and curricula are accurately translated and reported.

— Testing. This is where applicants list results from international and national exams: TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, and national exams.

— Activities. Dedicated to extracurricular achievements such as sports, volunteering, hobbies, leadership roles, and projects. Up to 10 activities can be listed, each with a description.

— Writing. The most important part of the application — the personal essay, which helps universities understand the applicant’s personality and motivation. The Common App provides several prompts, from which students must choose one to write their essay.

— Courses & Grades. In some cases, colleges require detailed information about courses taken and the grades received.

— College-specific Questions. Many universities include additional questions or essays that must be completed separately for each selected institution.

When filling out the application, the student creates one profile and enters all the required information. They can then select different universities, and the Common App will automatically use the entered data for each submission. There is also the option to upload additional materials and respond to school-specific questions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Application

At first glance, filling out the Common App can seem complicated, especially for international applicants. Below is a detailed, step-by-step plan to help you avoid mistakes and complete the application correctly.

Step 1: Registration and college selection

Creating an account. Go to the official Common App website and sign up using a valid email address that you check regularly. Create a secure password.

Searching for and adding colleges. After logging into your account, you can search for colleges by name, state, ranking, and other criteria. Add the colleges you’re interested in to your list. Keep in mind that each college may have its own requirements and deadlines — make sure to review them carefully.

Step 2: Filling out basic information

Personal profile. Enter your full name, date of birth, home address, and contact information. Double-check for accuracy — errors can delay or complicate document processing.

Citizenship. Specify your status: international student, permanent resident, etc.

Family and Education sections. In the Family section, provide your parents’ names, education levels, and occupations. In the Education section, list the schools you have attended, dates of attendance, and your GPA. For international transcripts, an official English translation is often required.

Step 3: Standardized tests

TOEFL, IELTS. Enter the results of language proficiency exams that demonstrate your English level.

SAT, ACT. Include your scores if you have taken these exams.

National exams. Some colleges accept results from national tests. If required, include them in the Testing section or upload them as additional materials.

Step 4: Activities section

Choose up to 10 significant activities: sports, volunteering, projects, work, etc. For each activity, include the name, your role, time commitment, and a brief description — with a focus on your achievements and strengths.

Step 5: Writing — the main essay

Tips for writing. The Common App offers several essay prompts — choose the one that best allows you to showcase who you are and share your personal story. Be honest and detailed. Avoid clichés. Carefully proofread your final text — first on your own, and then, if possible, ask someone else to read it.

Important note. The main essay is sent to all selected colleges, so it needs to be universal — while still reflecting your unique personality.

Step 6: College-specific questions

Many colleges require applicants to answer additional questions or write supplemental essays. Make sure to complete this section. It’s your extra opportunity to demonstrate motivation — use it wisely. Be specific in your answers and avoid generic phrases.

Most Common Mistakes When Filling Out the Common App

Completing the application is a crucial and responsible step. Certain mistakes can cost applicants the chance to get into their dream college. Below, we’ll go over the most common errors — and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Missing deadlines

Application deadlines for U.S. universities are strictly regulated and can vary significantly depending on the institution and the type of admission (e.g., Early Action, Regular Decision). International students often overlook time zone differences and postal delays, which can result in critical documents arriving late. The consequence? The application is rejected without review.

Tip: Create a calendar of all deadlines and start preparing at least 3–4 months in advance. Remember that some schools require official translations and recommendation letters to be received by the deadline — not just the completion of the online form.

Mistake #2: Incorrect personal information

Even minor typos in your name, date of birth, or address can lead to confusion in the university’s database and delays in processing your application. International applicants sometimes misreport their citizenship or visa status, which can also impact the outcome.

Tip: Double- and triple-check all personal details. Ask your parents or a school counselor to review them with you. Always use the same format for your name — exactly as it appears in your passport and official documents.

Mistake #3: Poor document translation

U.S. universities require accurate, officially certified translations of transcripts and academic records. Often, translations are incomplete, low quality, or missing key information (such as a grading scale), which makes it difficult for admissions officers to assess your academic background.

Tip: Use a certified translator. Always include the original documents and an explanation of your country’s grading system. If possible, upload both originals and translations to your Common App account.

Mistake #4: Too much or too little detail in the Activities Section

Many applicants try to list everything they've ever done, forgetting about quality. A long, vague list can leave a poor impression. On the other hand, an overly brief or generic description won’t highlight your strengths.

Tip: Choose 7–10 truly meaningful activities: sports, volunteering, leadership roles, projects. Keep your descriptions concise but impactful — emphasize what you achieved and why it matters.

Mistake #5: A formal, emotionless essay

The essay is your chance to show your personality and motivation. Unfortunately, many international applicants write generic, overly formal essays that don’t stand out. Sometimes the essay is just translated from the native language without adapting to the American writing style.

Tip: Write an honest, vivid essay. Tell a story that truly reflects who you are. Don’t be afraid to show emotion and share personal experiences. Revise your essay multiple times and ask a native English speaker to review it.

Mistake #6: Ignoring college-specific questions

In addition to the standard application, many universities ask for extra questions or essays. Some applicants skip this part, which significantly lowers their chances of admission.

Tip: Carefully review the requirements of each school. Treat college-specific questions as an opportunity to tell more about yourself, show motivation, and express why you’re interested in that particular institution.

Mistake #7: Issues with recommendations and documents

Sometimes recommendation letters don’t arrive on time or are uploaded incorrectly. In some cases, applicants forget to submit required documents or send them to the wrong place.

Tip: Ask your teachers well in advance to write recommendation letters and make sure they know where and how to submit them. Track the status of all documents in your Common App account.

To summarize: filling out the Common App is not a mere formality — it’s a vital part of your college admissions journey. Avoid common mistakes so your application looks as professional and compelling as possible. Start preparing early, check every detail carefully, and most importantly — don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Need detailed guidance?

Experts at ED-EX.com will assist you at every stage of the application process — from choosing a country to preparing documents.

You can submit a request in any convenient way:

— directly in your personal account

— on the page of your chosen university

— or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com