The Common Application is a not-for-profit member organization of nearly 700 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.
Why Use It?
Once completed online, copies of the Application for Undergraduate Admission can be sent to any number of participating colleges. The same is true of the School Report, Midyear Report, Final Report and Teacher Evaluation forms. This allows you to spend less time on the busywork of applying for admission, and more time on what’s really important: college research, visits, essay writing, and senior year coursework.
Above information is excerpted from: http://www.commonapp.org/about-us
As with all applications, it is suggested that you print a PDF copy of the application and complete a “rough draft” prior to your online submission of the application. This ensures that you have complete and accurate submissions.
Important links to common application: