Click here to explore thousands of successful college essay exemplars!
Are you currently in your junior or senior year and are thinking of using the Common App to submit your college applications? If so, it is important to be mindful of deadlines to ensure you can begin the application process as soon as possible. This guide will outline when the Common App opens for applications so that you can start planning your applications soon.
When Does the Common App Open for Applications?
The Common App opens for applications on August 1st each year. However, you can still create an account anytime and add your information to the Common App platform. This is useful if you are in your sophomore or junior year and would like to get a preview of what college applications would look like. With the Common App rollover feature, you can create and maintain a Common App account for several months or years before you actually apply. This allows you to start adding colleges to your "My Colleges" list and view their requirements in advance, which can help you be more prepared when the time comes to apply. You can also review the Common App essay prompts to familiarize yourself with the type of questions that can be asked.
However, although the Common App's rollover feature lets you keep your Common App tab responses, colleges in your "My Colleges" list, and PDFs of past applications (if applicable), everything else will be deleted from your Common App account on August 1st when a new application cycle begins. This happens because the Common App may remove/add/change certain questions, update essay prompts, or make other changes to the applications that need to be updated yearly. Responses to college questions or writing supplements will also be deleted since many colleges change their applications from year to year. Invitations to recommenders such as counsellors and teachers will also be removed.
In summary, you can create a Common App account as far in advance as you would like and your account will not be deleted due to the account rollover feature. However, information like answers to questions and invitations to recommenders will be deleted. If you are applying to college using the Common App, make sure to submit your application before the account rollover date of August 1st. For example, if you intend to begin college in fall 2026, you should create your Common App account and start filling in the application from August 1st 2025.
We hope this guide has helped you identify when the Common App opens for applications. Good luck with your college applications!
The Fast Track To Your
Best IB Coursework & College Essays
All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.