Changes to the 2025-26 Common App
The Common App just went live for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. If you are a student who created their account before the refresh, you are in for a surprise when you log in again. The application system didn’t update just a few questions; they’ve revamped the whole user interface. Curious about what changed? Keep reading!
While the application looks different, there aren’t a lot of changes to the content. Throughout the application, you’ll notice blue dash circles, indicating that the section still needs to be completed, and green circles with check marks, showing the section is finished. Otherwise, questions and space limitations have mostly stayed the same. However, there are a few new questions that we’ve highlighted below.
Account Rollover
If you have not created an account with the Common App yet, no problem! Just skip to the next section to see what you can expect.
If you previously created an account, the good news is that the system has retained your answers to most of the application questions. When you log in after the refresh, you’ll still need to confirm your intended college start time (fall 2026 for most current high school seniors), if you want to keep the same colleges on your list, where you attend high school, and whether you are located in the EU for data protection reasons. After answering those questions, you’ll be taken to the new Dashboard.
Dashboard
The landing page, called the Dashboard, has a new look. From here, you can now see your progress on the six sections of your application, your list of colleges, and links to resources that can help in the college search and financial aid process.
Test Score Reporting
There aren’t too many changes to the actual content of the application. The first change you’ll notice comes in the Testing section. In line with the enhancements to the ACT® ®, the Common App now asks whether you would like to report a science score.
Activities
There is also a new section called “Responsibilities and circumstances.” The Common App has piloted these questions for the last few years, but this is the first time they’ve included them in the main section of the application for all students. Answers to these questions help give application readers a better understanding of things that may have affected your high school experience.
Additional Information
Another big change to this year’s application is found in the Additional Information section, under the Writing heading.
The application asks, “Would you like to share any additional details or qualifications not reflected in the application?” Students used to have up to 650 words to craft their response, but this year, responses are limited to 300 words. Due to the volume of applications, admissions officers read applications quickly – sometimes averaging five minutes per application! It’s important to be clear and concise if using this space.
My Colleges
The Common App has now made it easy to see how far along you are in the college-specific questions. Each college you apply to will have a different set of questions you are required to answer. The menu bar on the lefthand side makes it easy to track what you still have to complete.
Conclusion
Looking for more help on your college application? Check out our additional college application resources below, or contact us to schedule an introductory call with a counselor.
How to Fill Out Your Common App Activities List
Using the Common Data Set for Excellent College Research
