The Common App: Make It More Common

BY: JILLIAN MILLER

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

As a senior, there are many things running through my mind on a daily basis. Whether it be studying for the AP Government test I have in the morning, the theme for the next football game, or simply typing an article for the school newspaper, there’s always something sending my conscience scrambling in 40 different directions. However, there’s one thing that has taken up every ounce of my free time ever since school started: applying for college. 

It’s a rush like no other: you’re beginning to curate the gateway to your future. Going from college website to college website and answering the same questions seems a bit repetitive, though. The Common Application, more “commonly” known as the Common App, is absolutely the solution to that issue of repetition. The Common App asks basic questions regarding coursework from highschool, family and demographic information, and the dreaded personal essay, which isn’t as bad as it sounds. You only have to answer one of six prompts in under 500 words, and the prompts are some of the most basic, broad subjects that a middle schooler could piece together. 

After you fill out all the baseline information requested by the Common App, you are able to add colleges to your college list who accept the Common App. Once you add them to your list, some additional questions pop up, but it’s only two to three (at most) regarding what major you would like to pursue at that specific school. Once you’ve done those questions, you’re ready to submit your application! You’ve now applied to your dream college in no more than 15 minutes, and you’re getting ready to apply to three more just because it’s so easy. 

Some colleges don’t accept the Common App, but it’s important to check the school’s admissions website beforehand to possibly save yourself an hour or so. I wouldn’t have been able to apply to so many colleges so fast; I’ve already been accepted into three schools and it’s not even November yet! So, big shout out to the Common App for getting me to where I am today!