First look at the 2026-2027 Common App

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Common App

Common App is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year, more than 1 million students, a third of whom are first-generation, apply to more than 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide through Common App’s online application.

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Why it worked

The video addresses a common pain point for students and parents: the overwhelming process of college applications. By offering a clear, step-by-step guide to a key platform (Common App) and breaking down the information into digestible parts, it provides immediate value and encourages viewers to return for more.

Summary

This video provides a first look at the 2026-2027 Common App interface, demonstrating how to navigate the dashboard, search for and add colleges, and view important application information like deadlines and essay requirements. The creator also teases a follow-up video focusing on the activities list and offers help for those needing guidance.

Structure

1Introduction to the Common App
2Navigating the dashboard
3

Original caption

The Common App is officially OPEN. 🎉 For many parents, this is the first time you've ever seen the platform your student will use to apply to college. It can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. That's why I'm kicking off a 3-part Common App series to walk you through what you actually need to know before your student starts filling anything out. 📌 Part 1: A tour of the Common App and the sections you don't want to overlook. Coming next: ✅ Part 2: The biggest mistakes I see families make inside the Common App. ✅ Part 3: What I'd have every student do before they start typing. After nearly 20 years in college admissions, I can tell you this: the Common App is more than just a form to complete. Understanding how to approach it strategically can save your student time, reduce stress, and help them build a stronger application. Follow along over the next few days, and send this series to another parent of a rising senior who needs to see it. #CommonApp #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeAdmissionsUnlocked #ClassOf2027 #CollegeApplication

Transcript

Common App is officially OPEN. For many parents, this is the first time you've ever seen the platform your student will use to apply to college. It can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. That's why I'm kicking off a 3-part Common App series to walk you through what you actually need to know before your student starts filling anything out. Part 1: A tour of the Common App and the sections you don't want to overlook. Coming next: ✅ Part 2: The biggest mistakes I see families make When you log in for the first time, this is what you're going to see. This is called your dashboard. My suggestion is start adding your colleges to your list! You're going to click add a college and then you can search for the colleges name here. So if I search for Harvard, it's going to show up and I just click add. And now Harvard is added to my list. When I go back to my colleges, we will see Harvard here and when I click it, I'm going to get all of Harvard's college admissions related information. First thing, you're going to get the updated application deadlines here. You're also going to get their standardized test policy and if you keep scrolling down, you will be able to see their writing requirements, which will tell you what kind of essays you have to write to complete an application here. All of Harvard's college admissions related information. First thing, you're going to get the updated application deadlines here. You're also going to get their standardized test policy and if you keep scrolling down, you will be able to see their writing requirements, which will tell you what kind of essays you have to write to complete an application here. And if you or your student want HELP doing this right, comment APPLICATION below! And if you or your student want HELP doing this right, comment APPLICATION below! And if you or your student want HELP doing this right, comment APPLICATION below! And if you or your student want HELP doing this right, comment APPLICATION below! Come back for part 2: Activities List!

First look at the 2026-2027 Common App

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