In an effort to simplify the process for prospective applicants, nearly 250 private and public colleges and universities agree to work together to develop, distribute, and accept a generic application form. The form is called the Common Application, and an ample supply is kept on hand in most guidance and college counseling offices; a web-based version can be downloaded or completed online .  Once you have completed the Common Application and have made copies of it, you may send it to as many of the participating institutions as you wish. The same is true of the school report and teacher evaluation forms. Of course, the appropriate application fees must be sent along with each copy of the Common Application. Some schools which accept the common application require you to provide supplemental information, and this is usually provided on a second form which is sent to you. It is wise, however, to check for supplemental material requirements at the Common Application website early in your application process.

Many students wonder whether or not the use of the Common Application will indicate to the college a lack of interest on the part of the student. They argue that, if the student were interested in that school, she/ he would request and use the school's own application form. In fact, each school participating in the Common Application group has agreed not to view the Common Application any differently than they would their own application. Many of the schools' own applications are actually Common Applications with that school's name imprinted on the forms. On the other hand, we recommend that when using the Common Application, you write a paragraph to accompany your application which explains why you are applying to that specific college: add something college-specific to the otherwise cookie-cutter Common Application. You should use the Common Application only if you are comfortable doing so. Discuss its use with your counselor. 

Click here for a list of colleges and universities which accept the Common Application in 2003-2004.