Douglas Olsen
International students can apply to multiple universities in the US at once using the Common App. The Common App is an online portal that enables students to apply to more than 1,000 member institutions. In the 2021-22 academic year, the Common App received 12,113 applications from China and 6,253 from India. The number of international students seeking admission to colleges in the US through the Common App rose by 63% between the 2014-15 and 2020-21 academic years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is the Common App? | An online portal enabling students to apply to more than 1,000 member institutions at once via a common application |
| Who can use it? | Both domestic and international students |
| Where can students apply? | Over 1,000 institutions |
| How many international applicants used the Common App in 2014-15? | 31,456 |
| How many international applicants used the Common App in 2020-21? | 51,426 |
| How many international applicants used the Common App in 2021-22? | 18,366 (China: 12,113, India: 6,253) |
| What is the early decision program? | Allows students to receive an admissions answer sooner, but binds them to attend a particular institution before weighing competing offers |
| What percentage of Common App users in China applied early decision in 2021? | 65% |
| What percentage of Common App users in Korea applied early decision in 2021? | 50% |
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What You'll Learn
Common App's popularity with international students
The Common App is an online portal that enables students to apply to more than 1,000 member institutions with a single common application. This is especially useful for international students who can use the Common App to apply to multiple institutions without having to fill out separate applications for each one.
The popularity of the Common App among international students has been rising over the years. In the 2014-15 academic year, 31,456 international applicants used the Common App, which jumped to 51,426 applicants in 2020-21, a 63% increase over this period. In 2021-22, the largest number of international applications came from China, with 12,113 applicants, followed by India, with 6,253 applicants. This is a substantial increase in applicants from these countries over the last decade. Applicants from China, Korea, and India also tend to apply through early decision programs, which allow them to receive an admissions answer sooner but bind them to a particular institution. In 2021, about 65% of Common App users in China and half of those in Korea applied early.
The Common App has seen a dramatic increase in applicants from several other countries as well. In the 2021-22 academic year, almost all applicants from Singapore used the Common App to apply to highly selective colleges (admit rate of 25% or below), as did 81% of applicants from Turkey, 79% from Korea, 76% from China, 75% from Taiwan, 74% from India, and 74% from Canada. The high usage of the Common App in these countries indicates its popularity among international students and their familiarity with the application process.
The convenience and ease of applying to multiple institutions through a single platform have likely contributed to the Common App's popularity among international students. Colleges also value international applicants as they bring diverse skills, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds to their campuses, enriching the student community. Additionally, international students generally pay higher tuition rates than their domestic counterparts, making them attractive candidates for many institutions.
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Common App's early decision applicants
The Common App is a valuable application tool that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities at once, streamlining the admissions process. The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 1,000 schools, helps students avoid having to fill out duplicate details for each application.
Students can create a Common App account at any time and transfer their information when the new edition opens on August 1 each year. For early decision applicants, applications are usually due in November or December, with admissions decisions arriving by December. The exact deadlines vary by college, so students should check with the admissions staff at their desired colleges.
Early decision plans are binding, meaning that if a student is accepted, they must attend that college. Students should only apply early decision to their first-choice college and withdraw all other applications if accepted. Before applying, students should extensively research colleges, be sure the college is their top choice, and ensure they meet or exceed the admission profile for the college.
To apply early decision, students, parents, and counselors must sign an ED agreement form. Students must also take the October SAT for the scores to be sent to the college on time. Additionally, many schools require first-year applicants to submit recommendation letters and transcripts, so students should give their teachers and counselors enough time to submit these materials.
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Common App's impact on admissions
The Common Application, or Common App, is a centralised college application process used by over 1,000 institutions across the United States. Students can submit their applications to up to 20 colleges using the platform.
Impact on Admissions
The Common App has been found to have a generally positive impact on college admissions. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that joining the Common App resulted in a 12% increase in applications, on average, compared to the years before a college joins. This effect grows over time, rising to approximately 25% after one decade. The Common App also makes it easier for colleges to attract applicants.
The Common App has been criticised, however, for encouraging colleges to sacrifice original essay questions for those favoured by the Common App. It has also been blamed for encouraging students to apply to colleges that they have no intention of attending.
On the other hand, the Common App has been praised for simplifying the application process for students, saving them time by only requiring them to fill out one form that can be sent to multiple schools. It also helps students keep track of deadlines and requirements, making it easier to submit all documentation on time.
There is some evidence that the Common App may lead to a slight increase in SAT scores. However, this impact is statistically small and the subject of ongoing debate.
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Common App's role in globalization
The Common App is an online portal that enables students to apply to multiple universities at once via a common application. It is a convenient platform that simplifies the application process for both students and universities. The Common App has played a significant role in the globalization of higher education, breaking down geographical barriers and facilitating access to educational opportunities worldwide.
Over the years, the number of international students seeking admission to colleges through the Common App has increased significantly. In the 2014-15 academic year, there were 31,456 international applicants using the Common App, which rose to 51,426 applicants in 2020-21, representing a 63% increase over this period. This trend highlights the growing interest of international students in pursuing educational opportunities beyond their home countries.
The Common App has made it easier for students from diverse backgrounds to explore educational opportunities globally. It provides a centralized platform where students can research and apply to a wide range of institutions, promoting accessibility and convenience. This has resulted in a more diverse applicant pool, enriching the educational experience for all students and fostering cultural exchange.
For international students, the Common App offers a streamlined application process, eliminating the need to navigate multiple country-specific or university-specific application systems. It provides a standardized format, reducing the complexity and time spent on applications. This is particularly beneficial for students applying to universities in a foreign country, as it simplifies the otherwise daunting task of researching and applying to each institution individually.
Additionally, the Common App plays a crucial role in promoting equity in the application process. It enables students from various socioeconomic backgrounds to apply to a range of institutions, including highly selective colleges. While early decision applicants tend to be more affluent, the Common App also accommodates regular decision applicants, ensuring that financial considerations do not hinder students' opportunities.
In conclusion, the Common App has significantly contributed to the globalization of higher education. By facilitating access to international students, promoting diversity, and streamlining the application process, the Common App has broken down barriers and empowered students worldwide to pursue their educational goals on a global scale. This platform has played a pivotal role in fostering a more interconnected and culturally enriched educational landscape.
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Common App's ease of use
The Common App is a platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities at once via a common application. It is accepted by more than 1,000 schools, including some colleges outside the US, and is used across the US, including by 250+ public universities and 12 HBCUs.
The Common App makes it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges by only requiring them to fill out personal details once. These details include the student's name, address, and extracurricular activities. The platform also provides a variety of resources to help applicants, such as financial aid and scholarship information, video tutorials, and 24/7 technical support. Additionally, the Common App integrates with Naviance, a college and career readiness software provider, making it convenient for counselors to submit documentation for colleges.
While the Common App is a useful tool, it may initially seem confusing to those unfamiliar with it. To address this, the platform offers a range of support options, including a Student Solutions Center where applicants can find answers to frequently asked questions or submit their own queries. The average response time for queries is reported to be around 20 minutes.
Although the Common App is widely used, it is not the only way to apply to colleges and universities. Many schools allow students to apply through their own websites or other platforms. However, using the Common App can streamline the application process, especially when applying to multiple institutions, as it eliminates the need to re-enter personal information for each application.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Common App is an online portal that enables students to apply to more than 1,000 institutions in the US.
The Common App allows students to apply to multiple universities at once using a common application form.
The number of international students applying through the Common App has been increasing. In the 2014-15 academic year, 31,456 international applicants used the Common App, which rose to 51,426 in 2020-21.
In the 2021-22 academic year, the largest number of international applications came from China, followed by India.
Early decision programs allow students to receive an admissions answer sooner, but they must commit to attending that institution without weighing other offers.
