Now that the class of 2026 is entering their final year of high school, they have to start thinking about college applications now. The Common Application, or most commonly called Common App, is one of the most popular tools used for the process. This website allows you to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application.
The Common App for the school year 2025-2026 will become available on August 1st 2025. You can begin by setting an account at commonapp.org, and gathering documents such as a transcript, SAT/ACT scores, a list of extracurricular activities, and the colleges that interest you. Remember to double check each college’s submission guidelines because some may have additional essays or further necessities. Begin drafting personal statements and requesting recommendation letters from your teachers and counselors as well.
A personal essay is one of the most important parts of your application. Many universities, whether they’re Ivies or other prestigious colleges, favor a good essay. Grades and test scores are important, but admissions officers also want to understand who you are beyond how your grades look. Your essay is your chance to share your values and what makes you unique and how you are able to contribute to their campus and school community. It’s recommended that rising seniors start their essays in the summer!
Keep track of the important deadlines for Common App. Early Action and Early Decision, which applications are typically due between November 1–15, 2025, and Regular Decision deadlines usually fall between January 1–15, 2026. FAFSA, which is used by students for grants and scholarships, opens October 1st, 2025.
Senior Jasmeh Grewal shares her tips she’d give rising seniors, “Brainstorm essay topics. The essay writing is easy, the ideas and concepts aren’t. For supplements, reusing essays is helpful a lot because topics are very similar.”
She also recommends finding fee waivers, which are documents that allow students to apply for college without paying the required fees. Most colleges have a non-refundable fee for any application. She claimed she managed to not spend any money just by finding waiver codes and signing up for mailing lists.
She recommended showing heavy interest in the college you’re applying to, whether it’s visiting the campus, signing up for their mailing list, and attending online sessions because they keep track of how much students are interacting to see if they’re really dedicated, “there is a higher chance they’ll consider you if they really see you are dedicated to them.” she states.
In conclusion, don’t stress! As long as you prepare early and submit all applications by the deadline, the process will go smoothly. Make sure you get all your recommendation letters in and make a list of all your desired colleges and safeties.