Our Next Chapter
A group of colleges and universities came together in 1975 to streamline the college application process by creating a common application form for students. Nearly 50 years later, Common App continues to open doors to opportunity.
Our Next Chapter
A group of colleges and universities came together in 1975 to streamline the college application process by creating a common application form for students. Nearly 50 years later, Common App continues to open doors to opportunity.
The challenge
Over the last decade alone, Common App has made huge strides in expanding access for students. Since 2019, low-income applicants have increased at nearly three times the rate of higher-income applicants.
Yet, even with a diverse membership of more than 1,100 institutions, students from low-income communities remain significantly underrepresented in our applicant pool.
Our moonshot
Common App has set a bold goal to focus its work in the next chapter. We call it our moonshot: By 2030, Common App will close its equity gap in students pursuing postsecondary opportunities.
We believe that, working together, we can close equity gaps and uplift today’s students.
Learn about the work we've done recently to move toward our moonshot in the latest Next Chapter impact report.
Doing more with data
INNOVATIONS GUIDE, 2026
Common App’s annual Innovations Guide showcases its initiatives and partnerships aimed at closing the gap between students from below-median and above-median income ZIP codes using the platform.
Highlighting independent students
New research reveals the distinct characteristics, application patterns, and outcomes of independent students.
FIRST-GENERATION STATUS IN CONTEXT, PART 5
This research brief moves beyond the traditional first-generation binary, examining 30+ parental education combinations to reveal four distinct patterns in college enrollment and degree completion. The findings offer institutions a more precise lens for tailoring student support.
End-of-season report, 2025–2026: First-year application trends
Common App’s annual report analyzes applicant and application data from the 2025–26 admissions cycle, including demographics, community income, institution type, and more.
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News and updatesInterested in membership?
If you represent a college or university interested in Common App, we look forward to hearing from you!