10 Key Changes to the 2025–2026 Common App Every Student and Parent Should Know
What Is the Common App and Why Is It Important?
The Common Application, or Common App, is an online system that lets students apply to many colleges with just one form. Instead of filling out a different application for each school, students can apply to hundreds of schools all at once. More than 1,000 colleges and universities use the Common App, including many in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.
This saves time, reduces stress, and makes it easier for families to keep track of deadlines. Each year the Common App updates its questions and features. Knowing these updates helps students and parents stay prepared.
1. Friendlier Dashboard and Navigation
The Common App now has a cleaner design. A progress bar shows how much you have completed, and green check marks appear when a section is finished. This makes it easier to see what’s left and lowers the chance of missing something important.
2. Flexible Testing Policies
More than 2,000 colleges are test-optional, which means you can choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Around 80 schools are test-free, meaning they will not look at scores at all, even if you send them. Some selective schools still require scores. Students should check the “My Colleges” section to see what each school wants.
3. More Room to Tell Your Story
Several sections, including the personal statement and activities list, have been updated with new wording. This gives students more chances to explain challenges, background, and personal experiences. Colleges want to know about the whole person, not just grades and test scores.
4. Easier Fee Waivers and Money Support
Paying for college applications can be expensive. The Common App now makes it easier to request fee waivers for students who qualify. It also connects families with free programs like UStrive that offer admissions and financial aid support.
5. Built-In Help and Video Guides
The Common App now offers more support right inside the platform. Students can watch short videos, read step-by-step guides, and see updates directly from colleges on social media. This makes the process less confusing.
6. Updated Name and Demographic Options
Students can now easily share preferred names and pronouns. Questions about race and ethnicity remain optional, and the app explains how this information is used. This is especially important after recent Supreme Court changes to admissions rules.
7. Simpler Course and Honors Reporting
The Courses and Grades section has been improved. Students can now more easily list AP, IB, and dual enrollment classes. It is also easier to report senior-year courses and academic honors in a way that colleges understand.
8. Stronger Activities and Responsibilities Section
The activities section has clearer guidance for describing leadership, work experience, sports, clubs, and family responsibilities. The focus is on quality, not just quantity. Students are encouraged to highlight what matters most to them.
9. Better Deadline and Requirement Tracking
The My Colleges section now shows school-specific requirements in one place. Students can track essays, recommendations, testing rules, and deadlines without needing to search through multiple websites.
10. More Inclusive for International and First-Gen Students
The Common App provides clearer instructions for international applicants on citizenship, visas, and transcripts. It also gives more guidance for first-generation students who may be the first in their family to apply to college.
Colleges in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania That Accept the Common App
Many top schools in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia accept the Common App, including:
Philadelphia-area schools:
University of Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Temple University
Saint Joseph’s University
La Salle University
Thomas Jefferson University
Bryn Mawr College
Haverford College
Swarthmore College
Villanova University
Other Pennsylvania schools:
Penn State University (all campuses)
University of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon University
Lehigh University
Muhlenberg College
Dickinson College
Gettysburg College
Franklin & Marshall College
Bucknell University
York College of Pennsylvania
Why This Matters
These 10 changes make the Common App easier to use, more affordable, and more personal. By understanding the updates, students and parents can plan ahead, stay organized, and apply with confidence.
Watch Our Interview with Common App’s Samantha Karp
Want to go deeper? We sat down with Samantha Karp from Common App to talk about Direct Admissions and what it means for families and students. She shares powerful insights on how this program can open doors and make college more accessible.
👉 Watch the full interview here
Your future starts today. Explore the Common App at commonapp.org and get started on your college journey.
