The Common Application (CA) refers to a generic private college application that is used by several hundred private colleges and universities.  The intent of the CA to make it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges by completing just one application. The colleges that accept the CA may also ask applicants to complete a short supplementary form unique to their institution ,once they receive the completed CA. You should consider filling out a CA only when you have at least three CA schools to apply to. With fewer than three schools, it is more work than a time saver.  

The Common Application should be completed electronically but a paper application can be filled out as well.  It is suggested that students might find it helpful to download a paper version and complete it by hand and then use that copy to input the information electronically.   The Common Application and a list of the colleges that accept it can be found at www.commonapp.org .

Make a copy of the application for your files before you send it.