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50 years of expanding
access to higher education

For 50 years, Common App has helped millions of students unlock opportunities, break down barriers and achieve their post-secondary dreams. What started in 1975 as a simple way to streamline college applications has grown into a global force for equity in education.

 

Today, Common App serves over 1,100 colleges and universities and has helped millions of students — especially first-generation and underrepresented applicants — navigate the admissions process with confidence.

Join us in honoring this legacy by sharing your own Common App story and helping us shape the next 50 years of impact.

Celebrate with us

Explore the moments, events and stories that bring Common App’s milestone anniversary to life.

June 6, 2024 Common App team and the Illuminate event

50 years of impact

1975

A group of 15 colleges and universities come together to streamline the college application process

1994

Common App becomes available on the floppy disk

1998

Common App goes online

2001

First public institution joins the Common App

2002

Common App is granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS

2004

First executive director starts

2008

Creation of school forms

2014

Pivot toward independence, acquiring nearly 50 new staff members and bringing technology and service in-house

2015

Common App changes membership requirements, opening membership to any not-for-profit, accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institution

2017

Common App surpasses 1 million first-year and transfer applicants

2022

Common App reaches 1,000 member colleges and universities

2024

Surpassed 1.5 million first-year and transfer applicants

Impact stories

In honor of our 50th, we’re sharing stories from students, counselors, educators and partners whose journeys have been shaped by Common App. These firsthand accounts highlight the power of opportunity, perseverance and the impact of a shared mission to break down barriers in college admissions. Explore their stories and be inspired to share your own.

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Maya Stevens

Student

"I'm so glad that I had something to apply to college quickly and easily, as well as a complete guide to show the best version of me."

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Scott Anderson

Sr Director Association Engagement

"Our growth has really embraced the access and equity mission and we're living it out in ways that I could not have imagined."

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Wendy Matias-Pablo

Student

"Coming from an underrepresented background, it's great to see the amount of support and care that Common App has for minority students."

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Board Members

Voices of Leadership

A look back at 50 years of progress, purpose, and partnership from our board members.

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Cynthia Carter

Counselor

"Underrepresented groups have access to resources and information that help bridge the gap between those with access to higher education and wealth and those without."

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Board Members

Voices of Leadership

A look back at 50 years of progress, purpose, and partnership from our board members.

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