Attention Rising Seniors!

The Common App updates every year on August 1 for the next admissions cycle. The 2025 rollout will include a refreshed layout and some new ways to share more about your life outside the classroom. The application can be overwhelming at first, but with a little planning, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. Here are 8 quick tips to help you get ahead, stay organized, and reduce stress when application season begins.

1. Start Early

You don’t need to wait until August 1 to get started. The earlier you dive in, the more time you’ll have for essays and supplements later. If you haven’t already, open an account today!

2. Know What Saves and What Doesn’t

When you create your Common App account before August 1, certain sections will be saved and automatically carried over into the 2025–2026 application cycle. That means now is a great time to begin filling out parts of the app — and rest assured that your work will still be there when the system reopens.

The following sections will carry over:

Profile
Family
Education
Testing
Activities
Writing (your personal essay only)
Your College List
Advisor Invitations

These sections will not carry over:

College-specific questions
Supplemental essays
FERPA release form
Recommender invitations

Also important: the Common App will shut down starting July 28 to prepare for the update. Be sure to save your work before then so nothing gets lost!

3. Break It Into Pieces

The Common App isn’t one giant task — it’s a series of small sections and you should focus on one section at a time. Do not try to complete it all in one sitting. This approach helps avoid burnout and keeps your progress steady.

4. Draft Your Activities List in Google Docs or Word First

Each activity in the Common App has a 150-character limit (essentially, one sentence). The platform doesn’t give a warning if you go over; it simply cuts off your writing (rude!). Drafting in Google Docs or Word lets you:

Track your character count
Play with wording
Save different versions
Copy and paste easily into the application

Drafting outside the application at first protects your work and gives you flexibility. Aim for short, specific phrases that describe what you did and the impact you had.

5. Complete the “Student Context Inventory” (If It Applies To You)

This new and optional section (located in the Activities section) uses checkboxes only — no writing required. It allows you to indicate commitments and circumstances that have shaped your academic journey. Admissions officers use this context to better understand your experience, workload, and access to opportunity when evaluating your application.

Examples include:

Caring for siblings or dependents
Working 4+ hours per week
Having limited access to internet, advanced classes, or guidance support

Fill out the Student Context section only if those experiences are part of your story. If not, it’s perfectly okay to leave it blank. And, if you want to share more detail, you can still expand on these responsibilities in other parts of your application, such as the Activities list, Additional Information section, or essays.

6. Understand the Updated “Challenges and Circumstances” Section

What used to be a question about “Community Disruption” during COVID-19 has been expanded. This short-answer section, now called “Challenges and Circumstances” (250 words max), invites you to share other significant, real-life barriers that may have impacted your education and/or achievements. This change is an important step toward equity.

These could include:

Natural disasters
Illness, disability, or caregiving
Discrimination or unsafe environments
Housing or food insecurity
School closures or instability

The updated prompt recognizes that academic success doesn’t happen in isolation and that personal circumstances can have a powerful impact on educational access and outcomes. Only use this section if your education experience was significantly impacted. Keep your response focused on how the situation affected your application.

7. Use the “Additional Information” Section Wisely

This space is optional and now has a 300-word limit (it used to be 650). It’s meant for quick clarifications, not a second essay. It allows you to clarify anything that doesn’t fit elsewhere in the application. Examples might include:

A grade dip with context
An unusual course load
A long-term project or family circumstance not covered elsewhere

Keep it clear and to the point. You don’t need to write a full narrative — just the facts that help colleges better understand your application. And, if you truly have nothing new to add, no biggie, just leave it blank.

8. Stay Organized with a Tracker

Create a simple spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of:

College deadlines
Required supplements
Recommendation requests
Your progress on each Common App section

Staying organized from the start helps you avoid last-minute surprises and stay on schedule.

Final Thoughts and a Quick Reference

The Common App process doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting sooner rather than later, you’ll be able to tell your story more fully and give yourself more room to focus on essays and deadlines in the fall. Start early. Take your time. You’ve got this!

In case you need reminding, here’s a reference guide for what goes where:

8 Quick Tips to Make the Common App Easier (2025 Edition)