As a student growing up and attending high school in Florida, the college application process initially felt daunting. Between researching schools, writing essays, gathering recommendation letters, and keeping track of deadlines, it was easy to feel overwhelmed.
One of the biggest reasons I gravitated toward the Common App was the sheer number of Florida institutions that use it. From major public universities like Florida State University and the University of Florida to private institutions, such as the University of Miami and Rollins College, many of the schools on my list accepted applications exclusively or at least primarily through the Common App.
This made the process significantly more efficient. Rather than juggling multiple websites and platforms, I was able to submit applications to several schools from a single, centralized location. As a student managing academic responsibilities and extracurriculars this kind of organization and accessibility made all the difference.
In contrast, the Common App allowed me to complete one general application, including a personal essay, and then tailor specific components like supplemental essays to each school as needed. This not only saved time but allowed me to focus more on the quality of my writing and the strength of my overall application, rather than spending hours re-entering basic information for every school.
For students navigating the application process without extensive guidance, the Common App serves as more than just a portal, it’s a structured support system. It gave me a sense of control over my applications and helped reduce some of the anxiety that naturally comes with this stage of life.
Why I Chose the Common App to Apply for College
Why I chose to use the Common App to apply for college and how it made the entire admissions process more manageable.

How the Common App helped me take control of my college application process, one application at a time.