Requirements

Cao Application Requirements

The Common Application (Common App) is a widely used platform that enables students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application[7]. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, some key requirements and changes have been announced, including updates to word limits and essay prompts[1].

  • Account Setup and Personal Information: Applicants must create an account and provide basic personal details (name, contact information, etc.)[5].
  • Academic History: You will need to report your high school, GPA, courses completed, and standardized test scores if required by the schools to which you apply[5].
  • Activities Section: List up to 10 extracurricular activities. For each, describe the type, your role, accomplishments, grade levels involved, how long you participated, and whether you plan to continue in college. Word and character limits apply to these descriptions (usually 50 to 150 words per response)[5].
  • Essay Requirement: Applicants must write a personal essay responding to one of seven prompts. For the 2025-2026 cycle, essay responses must be 250–650 words[2][4][6]. The prompts cover topics including personal identity, challenges, beliefs, gratitude, growth, engaging interests, or a topic of your choice[2][4][8].
  • Additional Information Section: This section has reduced word limits — 300 words maximum for first-year applicants and 1500 characters for transfer applicants. Students exceeding these limits will be prompted to revise[1].
  • Supplemental Materials: Many colleges require additional essays or documents that must be submitted within the Common App or directly to the school[5].
  • Application Fees: Schools typically require payment of an application fee, though fee waivers are available for eligible students[5].
  • Recommendation Letters: Most colleges request letters of recommendation. Applicants provide contact information for their recommenders, who then submit letters electronically through the platform[5].
  • Submission and Deadlines: Applications open August 1. Applicants must submit completed applications and required materials by posted deadlines for each college[7].

Notable for 2025-2026, the Common App has become even more inclusive with expanded access to community colleges and a streamlined Additional Information section for more focused responses[1].

References

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