Applying to college with the Common App: what you need to know

For many students, the college application process can feel complex, especially with so many tools, platforms, and deadlines to manage. One resource that can make the process more manageable is the Common Application (Common App), which allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. 2025 marks the 50 year anniversary of the Common App, which is used by over 1,100 colleges and universities around the world.

Aya Hashi ’28, now a sophomore at University of Redlands, used the Common App when applying to colleges. “Though I had applied to a few schools early on, my high school counselor guided me toward using the Common App,” she said. “If I hadn’t applied, I would have missed out on so many great experiences already.”

Aya’s experiences since enrolling—from participating in Summer Bridge as a first-generation student to working with the university’s marketing team through work-study—helped shape her academic and professional goals. For her, the Common App was a useful first step in discovering the right college fit.

Beginning August 1, University of Redlands will begin accepting applications for both spring and fall 2026 terms through the Common App. Whether you’re a high school senior finalizing your college list or potential transfer student exploring new pathways, the Common App can help you stay organized. It streamlines the process of submitting applications, managing deadlines, and keeping track of required materials, all in one place. Redlands uses the Common App exclusively for first-year applicants; transfer students also have the option to apply using a Redlands-specific application.

At Redlands, applicants can explore over 40 undergraduate programs across the humanities, social sciences, arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields. There’s no application fee to apply to Redlands, and the university has a test-optional admission process. Applications to Redlands are reviewed holistically using information and writing provided in the Common App, your academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and test scores (if provided).

As you prepare to apply to Redlands, , a good place to start is the Redlands First-Year Application Guide, which outlines key dates, requirements, and tips for navigating the process.

Learn how to apply and get started on your Redlands application.

Interested in graduate programs? Explore your options with Redlands.