A line drawing of a student in a cap and gown celebrating graduation.

Common App impact

Common is celebrating 50 years! Since 1975, Common App has helped millions of students navigate college admissions and unlock opportunity. View stories from our community or share your own and help shape the future.

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A line drawing of a student in a cap and gown celebrating graduation.

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Here’s a shorter version: Founded in 1975, Common App has evolved from paper forms to digital access. Milestones include launching on floppy disk (1994), going online (1998), reaching 1,000 member colleges (2022), and surpassing 1.5 million applicants in 2024.

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From the photocopier to the cloud: reflecting on 50 years of admissions

Fifty years ago, 15 colleges united to simplify the admissions process and expand access. Their solution was to leverage the technology at the time, the photocopier, to create the Common Application. Join admissions leaders as they reflect on the progress made since then, the challenges that remain, and what it will take to build a more equitable future.

The exact time of this session will be shared soon.

Here’s a shorter version: Founded in 1975, Common App has evolved from paper forms to digital access. Milestones include launching on floppy disk (1994), going online (1998), reaching 1,000 member colleges (2022), and surpassing 1.5 million applicants in 2024.